Top 5 Things to Check Before You Sign Anything

A quick guide for business owners who don’t want surprises hiding in the fine print

A Note Before We Begin

This blog is meant as a general guide only—it’s not a substitute for personalized legal advice. Every contract is different, and the stakes vary depending on your situation. If you’re unsure, get a professional set of eyes on it before you sign. With that said, let’s dive in!

1. Who Are You Really Contracting With?

It may sound like small talk, but knowing who you’re actually binding yourself to is critical. Contracts should always use the legal entity name - not a nickname or shorthand. “ABC Coffee, LLC” is not the same as “Joe’s Coffee Shop.” If you accidentally contract with the wrong party, you might end up chasing someone who isn’t legally responsible, or worse, finding yourself on the hook when you thought you were protected. Think of it like dating: make sure you know who you’re really committing to before you sign.

2. Money: What, When, and How?

Contracts live and die by payment terms. Is it net 15, net 30, or “payable upon completion” - and what exactly does “completion” mean? If you don’t define it, one side may think “completion” means “finished product delivered,” while the other side thinks it means “I showed up and did most of it.” Watch out for hidden late fees, finance charges, or automatic price increases. You don’t want to be the person who signed up thinking you owed $1,000, only to discover it’s actually $1,000 plus “mystery extras.”

3. Length of Commitment

How long are you locked in? A six-month marketing contract is very different from a rolling two-year deal that automatically renews unless you remember to cancel on a Wednesday in March via certified mail. Long commitments can be fine if the relationship is solid—but they can also feel like signing up for a gym membership you never use. Know the start date, end date, and whether the contract sneaks back to life unless you actively stop it.

4. Exit Strategy

Nobody goes into a contract expecting a breakup, but sometimes things just don’t work out. Can you get out early if you need to? What notice is required? Are there penalties or buyout fees? A contract without a clear exit clause is like a hotel room without a door—you may be stuck paying for a place you don’t want to be in. Make sure you have at least one reasonable way out if circumstances change.

5. Dispute Resolution: Where and How

This is the part most people skip - and regret later. Many contracts specify that disputes must be handled in a certain state (or country), and suddenly you’re buying plane tickets to defend your case. Others require arbitration instead of court, which can be quicker but also more expensive and less flexible. The point isn’t to avoid all disputes - it’s to make sure you understand where and how you’ll fight if you need to. Because no one wants a surprise field trip to a courthouse three time zones away.

Final Thoughts

Contracts don’t have to be scary, but they do deserve attention before you sign. By slowing down and checking these five things—party names, money, length, exit, and dispute resolution—you’ll protect yourself from most of the classic “I wish I’d read that more carefully” scenarios.

And remember, this blog is for educational purposes only, not legal advice. Every contract is unique, and what looks like a harmless clause to one person could be a red flag to another. When in doubt, don’t DIY - get professional advice before you sign.

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This article is a service of Dolev Law, a Personal Family Lawyer® Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death, for yourself and the people you love. That's why we offer a Life & Legacy Planning Session,Ⓡ during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Life & Legacy Planning Session.

The content is sourced from Personal Family Lawyer® for use by Personal Family Lawyer® firms, a source believed to be providing accurate information. This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.