contract management

you can change a contract after it is signed, but it is not enforceable if all parties do not agree to the changes. all parties should add new signatures and be given copies of the new contract. you may need to amend a contract if you need more time to complete a project, your supplier has postponed their delivery date and materials to you, a key team member leaves the company or many other reasons.

how to modify a contract:

• make small changes by simply handwriting them and signing the change
• make a new contract and have it signed
• add an amendment and attach it to the original contract
• make a new contract using strikethroughs to show what sections were changed

if the original contracts include agreements about the contract not being amendable, you may not be able to change the contract.

a breach of contract is when either party violates the terms of the contract.

if you've broken the contract:

if you've been accused of breaching a contract, you should carefully review the terms of your contract and find a way to make amends or get out of the breach. if you cannot get out of the breach, you should try to solve the problem using a mediator rather than going to court. often the contract will include mediation terms.

if the other party breaches the contract:

first, send them a simple reminder of the contract terms. they may have forgotten or simply do not fully understand the terms. second, you can send them a breach of contract notice. in this notice, you can explain the contract violation and what steps you may take if they continue to violate the contract. if they continue to violate the contract, you can attempt to solve the problem with mediation. if mediation doesn't work, you can file with the courts.

there are legitimate reasons for wanting to get out of a contract. maybe you are no longer able to fulfill the contract, or you don't want to continue working with the other party. the first thing to do is to carefully review the original contract to see if it outlines ways to end the contract and/or if it says what might happen if you break the contract. you should first just ask the other party to release you from the contract. if they agree, get it in writing. if you cannot instantly get released from the contract, consider creating a quit plan such as 30 or 60 days so the other party can find a replacement for the service you provide. you may also be able to buy yourself out of a contract, but you'll want to consider free options first. if violating the contract could prove costly for you, contact a lawyer for assistance.