Texas law essentially says a contract exists if there is: an offer acceptance of that offer mutual consent to the terms of the contract confirmed by communication delivery of a contract and consideration (bargained for exchange of promises, payment, etc.). Even the simplest contract can lead to litigation.

Professional help is a MUST when possible (particularly with out of state parties). Even if a contract has the required elements, it may not be enforceable for other reasons. While lengthy documents wrapped in jargon are the norm, a contract really relies on basic components.īefore we go further, this author insists on a hard limit: with entire tomes on contract law, this article is meant to provide BASIC information to consider in a pinch when drafting or reviewing an agreement (including the use of internet “forms”).

The “50 Shades of Grey” movie is a good reminder that we’re sometimes faced with the need to negotiate a quick and dirty contract without a lawyer.Īlthough the movie’s characters, Christian and Anastasia, probably couldn’t get a judge to enforce the unusual agreement proposed, a simple contract can handcuff the respective parties.

Fifty shades of grey the contract