What Most Contract Templates Leave Out (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
A contract isn’t just a formality — it’s one of the most powerful tools in your business. But when you're relying on templates, you might be missing the one clause that makes all the difference.
The Rise of the DIY Contract
Contract templates are everywhere now — and to be honest, that’s not always a bad thing.
They can be a cost-saving way to get started and make sure you’re not operating without any legal paperwork. In fact, earlier this year, a well-known legal company sent out an email listing the “Top 5 Contract Clauses You Should Use.”
The list included:
Confidentiality
Force majeure
Arbitration
Breach of contract
Indemnity
Solid legal concepts. Important protections.
But they missed something big.
The Clause Nobody Talks About
What happens when something changes — but you’re not ready to go to court?
Most template contracts focus on what happens when things go wrong. But they rarely tell you how to keep things right along the way.
If the contract doesn’t outline how you and the other party will:
Handle changes to scope or timing
Resolve miscommunications early
Adjust expectations in real time
then you’re missing the most useful part of a working agreement.
That’s not just a legal oversight — it’s a business risk.
Quick Self-Check: Is Your Contract Working for You?
Ask yourself:
Does this contract explain how we’ll handle changes?
Is there a clear process for working through disagreements?
Can everyone involved understand the language — not just the lawyers?
Will I feel confident referencing this contract before conflict arises?
If you answered “no” or “I’m not sure” to any of those… it might be time for a second set of eyes.
Templates Aren’t Bad — But They Aren’t Tailored
At The Law Shop Alabama, we review contracts with strategy in mind.
We look at your business’s goals, your tone, your values, and your working relationships. Then we make sure your contract supports all of that — not just the legal minimum.
We help you:
Spot the blind spots
Add real-world guidance for real-life shifts
Use plain, relatable language
Turn your contract into a tool you actually want to use
Because a contract isn’t just a piece of paper. It’s a trust-building tool. A leadership tool. A long-term success tool.
Template contracts are a great starting point — but they’re rarely the final answer.
Get yours reviewed. Make it yours. And make it working for you.
📩 Inquire about a flat-rate contract review here
Coming Soon — Create Your First Draft Contract with AI
📘 First Draft Contract Creation: ChatGPT Edition – From the Desk of a Business Attorney
We’re putting the final touches on a smart, easy-to-follow workbook that helps business owners use AI to draft their first contract — with a lawyer’s strategic guidance built in.
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