Contract Drafting

Serious disputes can arise when parties disagree over the meaning of ambiguous or vague contract language. Litigation is often the end result where the parties cannot reasonably anticipate the outcome of their dispute. This uncertainty causes the parties to evaluate their positions very differently, making the dispute difficult to settle.

But a contract that is properly drafted at the outset of a business transaction can avoid disputes. Specializing in residential and commercial leases, promissory notes, non-compete agreements, and asset purchase agreements, our attorneys draft contracts with an eye towards clarity and certainty.

The business attorneys at Lieser Skaff apply years of litigation experience to anticipate and address all kinds of disputes that may arise during the contractual relationship. Some of the things we do to help the parties understand their obligations include:

• Avoid use of open-ended terms
• Define performance standards
• Describe specific examples of material breach of contract
• Provide for written notice of breach of contract
• Detail the process by which the parties will resolve disputes
• Describe specific examples of damages that may be recovered

Whether you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a sole proprietor, contracts are likely to form the foundation of most of your successful business relationships. When you enter into a contractual agreement, however, you need to ensure that the drafted document clearly defines rights, obligations, and expectations while protecting your interests under Florida law.

Unfortunately, people often learn the hard way that contract issues typically arise not from what is included in the contract, but from what is overlooked or unclear. By addressing potential concerns upfront and tailoring contracts to your specific circumstances, you place yourself in a stronger position to enforce your rights and avoid litigation.

To ensure that your rights are protected, and your interests secured, the team at Lieser Skaff will thoroughly review a contract before you agree to enter into it and provide strategic guidance should any of the terms of the agreement need to be modified or negotiated. Having an experienced attorney review a prospective contract and negotiate terms on your behalf prior to executing the contract is the best way to minimize risk and maximize success.

In today’s high-tech world, it can be tempting to turn to LegalZoom, ChatGPT, or another artificial intelligence option to draft a contract. What initially appears to be a cost-saving measure, however, can ultimately expose your business to significant legal and financial risk. DIY tools utilize generic language and provisions that are not based on a detailed understanding of your specific transactional needs, industry standards, or even Florida law. Consequently, critical language and provisions may be missing, ambiguous, or improperly tailored to your situation.

When a contract contains vague terms, conflicting clauses, or unenforceable provisions, it can lead to costly disputes and leave you without crucial legal and financial protection. DIY forms or AI-generated contracts cannot evaluate risk, anticipate how a court might interpret language, negotiate terms that are favorable to your business goals, or recognize when unique circumstances require specialized language or provisions.

When you work with the team at Lieser Skaff, you receive a legally enforceable contract that is uniquely tailored to the needs and objectives of your business.

All too often, the first meaningful consultation with an attorney occurs after a contract dispute arises. This can leave your business vulnerable with limited legal strategies available if the contract terms are unfavorable or the language is ambiguous. The time to protect your business relationships and transactions by investing in legal guidance and advice is before you execute a contract.

When you purchased your home or business property, you undoubtedly took out an insurance policy to protect your financial investment. Your business transactions and relationships deserve the same level of protection. Having an experienced contract attorney draft or review a contract provides that protection. Spending the time and money on having an experienced contract attorney at Lieser Skaff draft, review, or negotiate a contract is the best way to ensure that the contract reflects your understanding of the agreement and reduce the likelihood of costly litigation down the road.

Because every business is different, no two contracts are the same. Each contract drafted by our attorneys is tailored to meet our client’s individualized objectives. We integrate client-specific provisions that help achieve those objectives as well as limit the client’s financial risk.