subject: Why To Use An Attorney For Contract Matters [print this page] Given the availability of inexpensive and free legal forms, many people wonder why they need to hire an attorney to review their contracts or assist them in negotiations. What most people dont realize is that while forms may be a good place to start, they rarely encompass all of the necessary terms and requirements of a particular situation and may have provisions that are entirely irrelevant to the agreement in question. For example, if you are a landlord, your focus and concerns will be different from those of a tenant. If you are a tenant leasing residential property, the terms of your lease will differ depending on whether you will be renting in a subdivision that has a homeowners association, a single family dwelling, an apartment, or a shared living space.
An experienced attorney understands how to modify a basic contact to address your specific needs and also understands how skilled negotiation can help you obtain more of what you really want, including terms and conditions that are not part of a standardized contract.
In addition, a skilled attorney will be able to address your concerns and issues, so can you determine whether the contract in question contains all the necessary provisions and whether the contract has clauses that either dont apply to your situation or will impact the benefits that you are looking to receive under the agreement.
As a general rule, in Arizona the courts hold a party accountable for the contents of a contract, even if the party signed the contract without reading it or understanding all of the provisions. Therefore, if you have any questions about the ramifications of a contract, it is prudent and cost-effective to consult with an attorney who focuses on drafting, revising and negotiating contracts prior to signing on the bottom line.
