Creating a contract

February 24, 2005 11:35 AM

Being new to writing contracts, I wish to receive information on the process.

I've been hired to move, with my truck, kitchen appliances to a location 50 miles away for an elderly woman.
How should I compose such a contract (ie payment, clauses, etc)?

posted by Scottk to Law & Government (6 answers total)

I think if the job is worth a lot of money or you suspect the customer may have the ability to sue or not pay, you should try to have an attorney help. Otherwise you could pose as a customer and tell a local mover you'd like to see their contract before you hire them.

Also the law and consumer rights vary from state to state, so it may help to mention that. Seems like insurance could be a sticky spot, too, for a one-time moving job.
posted by rolypolyman at 11:42 AM on February 24, 2005

You hire a lawyer.
posted by jperkins at 11:53 AM on February 24, 2005

Yeah, see a lawyer. It's really not as expensive as some people think it is (< $200?).br>
Otherwise, you might end up a contract where you're requires to move your truck and kitchen appliances to a location 50 miles away in exchange for an elderly woman.

I'm just sayin'. ;)
posted by Laen at 11:57 AM on February 24, 2005

You might also check out Nolo. They have lots of stock legal forms that you can download, and books that you can buy.
posted by Daddio at 1:08 PM on February 24, 2005

A lawyer is always a good bet when it comes to contracts. Someone should be able to do this for you in under an hour. Here's my recommendation:

Find a middle sized to large sized law firm, with a good reputation. Call someone who hasn't been with the firm very long (a year or two at most), ask them if they can do it in under an hour, and what their billable rate is.

1. They'll be excited because you're their client.
2. You'll get relatively cheap service because their rate is low.
3. Any good firm is going to check everything a first or second year does, so you'll get the eyes of a seasoned attorney on it. That probably won't get billed to you because it won't take very long and the seasoned attorney can chalk it up to mentoring time.
4. It'll get done quick, because new attorneys are around more.

Although, it seems strange to me to hire a lawyer to look over a contract for a one time deal to move an old lady's fridge. That sounds more like doing her a favor. Is this a business you're trying to start? Did you advertise? because then definitely lawyers and insurance and state laws.

(This is not legal advice. It's just a suggestion.)
posted by dpx.mfx at 2:40 PM on February 24, 2005

Your state's Bar may have a Lawyer Referral Service that can match you with an attorney based on your needs, geography, and (sometimes) resources.

Based on your profile, you appear to be in NC (how's Brevard, btw? the Music Center is one of my favorite places, and there are some great restaurants downtown....), so you might try here: http://www.ncbar.org/public/lrs/index.aspx
posted by socratic at 6:53 PM on February 24, 2005