What makes a contract valid
- Offer and acceptance, both sides agree to the same terms.
- Consideration: each side gives something of value (money, services, a promise).
- Capacity: the parties are adults of sound mind.
- Legal purpose: you can’t contract to do something illegal.
- Signatures, not always strictly required, but essential for proof.
A lease, bill of sale or NDA filled in from a template and signed by both parties meets these tests.
Documents with extra formalities
Some documents are only valid if signed a certain way:
- Wills, usually two witnesses. See last will and testament.
- Powers of attorney: almost always a notary.
- Affidavits: sworn before a notary.
- Real estate deeds: notarized and recorded with the county.
When a template can fail you
- State-specific rules override what a template says (security deposit limits, notice periods, waiver rules).
- Unfair or illegal clauses can be struck down.
- Missing details: vague descriptions of property, dates or amounts invite disputes.
The bottom line
For everyday agreements, a clear, completed template signed by both sides works. For high-stakes or unusual situations, have a lawyer review it.
