Different types of legal documents and forms.
Learn more about standard types of contracts, and discover the fastest, easiest way to get the signatures you need to seal the deal.
Legal documents, such as contracts and agreements, are mutual promises between two or more parties. They can be seen everywhere — from business deals and employee contracts to residential leases and settlement agreements. While oral agreements are acceptable in some cases, everyone benefits from the clarity of written contracts. Let’s dive into some of the different types of legal documents that are commonly used.
What are the legal document types?
From defining relationships to protecting rights and interests, legal documents play an important role in multiple parts of our lives. These documents can be categorized into different types – each designed for specific purposes and legal requirements. Let’s go over some of the high-level categories of legal document types and forms.
- Agreements. These outline agreed terms and conditions, such as lease agreements or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).
- Contracts. Legally binding documents specifying obligations and rights in various transactions, like employment contracts or service agreements.
- Wills and trusts. Used to distribute assets after a death, with wills specifying beneficiaries and trusts offering more control.
- Legal forms. Standardized documents for legal and administrative processes, such as power of attorney forms or divorce petitions.
- Court documents. Necessary for legal proceedings, including complaints, motions, and subpoenas.
- Intellectual property documents. Protect intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
- Notarized documents. Require notarization for verification, such as affidavits or power of attorney documents.
Now that you know the different types of legal documents, let’s explore the types of legal agreements and types of legal contracts.
Examples of legal documents.
Types of legal agreements.
- Business agreement: If you’re a business owner hoping to partner with another business, you’ll need to sign a business contract. This typically includes details of the partnership, including all relevant organizational relationships and key financial transactions related to the arrangement, as well as possible non-disclosure or non-competition clauses.
- Settlement agreement: This type of agreement can arise if you find yourself in a dispute with one or more parties. You’ll attempt to solve the problem, usually with the assistance of attorneys or a third-party arbitrator or mediator, keeping the case out of court. If the issue is resolved, the parties will sign formal documentation to legalize the resolution.
Types of legal contracts.
- Employment contract: This type of contract outlines the working relationship between an employee and the employer, including roles and responsibilities as well as compensation and other benefits.
- Sales contracts: If you sell or purchase goods or services, sales contracts serve as legal documentation of the exchange. The buyer promises to pay according to set terms, and the seller promises to exchange the goods or services. Sales contracts will also determine the details and terms reflected in subsequent invoices.
- Property contract: If you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll likely enter into a purchase agreement. If you’re renting a property or you own a rental property, residential agreements will outline rent requirements as well as details like maintenance expectations, renter’s insurance, parking spaces, and more.
Sign different types of legal documents with electronic signatures.
These are just a few examples of legal documents that you may come across in your professional or personal life. As with any documents, it’s important to read them thoroughly and understand what you’re agreeing to — if you’re ever in doubt, speak to an attorney for guidance. It’s also important to know whether these documents fall into a list of documents that need to be notarized as well. Also, keep in mind that the rules and regulations surrounding electronic signatures may vary by jurisdiction, so staying informed about local laws is advisable.
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