🧑‍⚖️ What to watch out for in a contract template:

• Outdated content – templates may be 10+ years old and not reflect current law

• Missing mandatory clauses – especially for rental, loan, or pledge agreements

• Vague or contradictory language – open to misinterpretation by the other party

• No protective provisions – such as warranties, penalties, or termination rules

• Not suited to your situation – a template is not a one-size-fits-all solution

📋 What to check before signing:

• Whether the contract matches your specific case, not just the general type

• If it complies with current legislation

• Who the contracting parties are – names, IDs, authority to act

• How it deals with liability, breaches, termination, and dispute resolution

• Whether the subject of the contract is clearly defined

• Attachments – e.g. handover report, diagrams, payment schedule

📚 Real-life example:

A client used a car sale agreement missing the vehicle’s precise identification. In court, the buyer claimed it was for a different car. There was no way to prove otherwise. The burden of proof was on the seller – and he lost the case.

✅ Lawyer’s recommendation:

A template can be a good starting point – but not the final solution.

If you’re using a free online form, at least get it reviewed by a legal expert. It costs much less than solving problems later. Every contract should reflect your specific situation, not a generic idea of how it “should look.”