Georgia contract law is an exchange of promises that is enforceable by law. Georgia contract law education and training includes a broad range of issues, such as the sale of property, the terms of employment or the settlement of a dispute.

Georgia contract law practices allow both written and oral contracts. A written contract may be required when making a large purchase such as a car or house, while a smaller purchase like a book may be considered an oral contract. A contract typically requires the following three elements in order to be enforceable:

1. Mutual consent. GA contract law requires that the parties agree on what the contract covers.
2. Mutual consideration. The parties must exchange something of value. A contract may not be enforceable if a party is already obligated to provide the consideration or if the consideration is essentially worthless.
3. Offer and acceptance. The contract contains an offer from one party that is accepted by the other party. A counter-offer is not an acceptance and is typically considered to be a rejection of the offer.
   

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Attend a law school that specializes in contract laws in GA

There are a variety of universities in Georgia that provide a concentration in commercial law or business law, which typically includes coursework on Georgia contract law.

I recommend: Georgia State University College of Law offers a concentration in business law, which includes coursework in contract law. The Legal Skills and Professionalism Program at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School provides specific training in contracts law.

Obtain Continuing Legal Education (CLE) for a Georgia contract law attorney

Georgia requires attorneys to stay current on changes in contract law in GA through CLE courses. There are a variety of education and training programs in Georgia that provide CLE credit in contract law.

I recommend: The Institute of Continuing Legal Education in Georgia provides a schedule of upcoming CLE courses, including many that deal with contract law in Georgia. National Business Institute teaches many courses in contract law that provide CLE in contract law.

Learn through professional training opportunities on contract laws in Georgia

Conferences, seminars and workshops are excellent methods for Georgia contract lawyers to improve their knowledge of the law. This training is typically provided by professional associations, law firms or dedicated providers of legal training.

I recommend: The Atlanta Bar lists upcoming events on topics related to contract law, such as construction law and litigation. SMC3 hosts an annual contract law seminar in Atlanta.

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• •  A Georgia contract attorney should join professional organizations that are dedicated to the practice of contract law in Georgia. These associations provide a number of resources essential for the practicing contract law attorney, including contact information for important courts, assistance with meeting CLE requirements and links to the recent contract law rulings.

Georgia contract law helps protect business owners entering into agreements with suppliers and contractors. Contract law in Georgia helps keep boundaries between companies clear and working relationships positive.

Georgia contract law practices make it their business to protect yours. Having the right contract law attorney in Georgia keeps business owners aware of their rights and responsibilities. Without a contract law attorney in Georgia, the terms of your agreement may not be as clear as you need them to be.

Contract law in Georgia allows businesses to agree on terms beneficial to both. With the right contract law in Georgia, businesses grow in both size and profitability. Quality contract law in Georgia helps reduce the need to go to court when clearly written. Contract law in GA will:

1. Protect business owners from law suits between parties according to GA contract law.

2. Provide clear guidelines between businesses and their contractors.

3. Help business owners maintain good relationships between themselves and their contractors.

4. Eliminate the need for court appearances and costly law suits related to Georgia contract law issues.

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Work with an experienced Georgia contract law firm

Not all attorneys specialize in contract law. Finding a Georgia contract law attorney who knows Georgia contract law well is the first step to getting quality contracts.

I recommend: Lambert, Reitman and Abney, LLC of Madison Aitkens & Aitkens, P.C. of Atlanta provide expert service in all areas of corporate law including contracts.

Understand how the independent contractor relationship works under Georgia contract law

More and more large companies enlist the services of independent contractors during times when business is heavy. Even independent contractors need the services of a quality legal team. Large companies who provide contractor services have the right legal team behind them to make sure you're getting what you pay for.

I recommend: The IRS website provides working definitions of what constitutes a contractor relationship for federal tax purposes. Nolo is a legal resource that further explains the difference between employees and independent contractors and their relationship under state contract laws.

Get a basic working knowledge of Georgia contract law before entering into service contracts

It pays to have a basic understanding of some of your rights under Georgia state contract law before visiting your contract law attorney. Good information helps you ask the right questions and understand some of the terms the attorney might use.

I recommend: FindLaw provides some basic information about contract law for the business owner or independent contractor. Lawyers.com offers message boards so you can obtain feedback almost instantaneously.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stay away from pre printed contracts you might find on the Internet. GA contract laws are highly specialized and having qualified legal counsel is priceless when entering into any contract.
• •  Don't ever sign a contract until you completely understand the terms of the agreement. Contract laws in GA are legally binding and difficult to break once signed.

Georgia contract laws establish standards on how to enforce the terms of written and in some cases, oral agreements between companies and people. Contract law provides recourse for individuals and businesses making agreements with parties who do not uphold their end of the deal.

Because promises made in a contract can be enforced by Georgia courts, it’s important for businesses to have some knowledge about Georgia contract laws key terms. Become familiar with some basic Georgia contract laws key terms to help you gain a basic understanding of how the courts can help you in contract disputes.

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Rescission

The terms of a contract are the items to which each party agreed. Rescission allows parties to get out of a contract. Typically there is a rescission period, a specific timeframe in which parties can lawfully eliminate an existing agreement.

I recommend: Read more about rescission at FindLegalForms.

Breach of contract

A breach of contract refers to a failed responsibility to comply with the terms of an agreement or contract. A breach can include failure to complete a job, make payments or deliver on promised goods or services.

I recommend: Find out more about a breach of contract at Atlanta Business Lawyer Blog.

Offer/acceptance

The offer is the first step of any contract. It is a written or oral statement of the individual's or business's agreement to comply with the terms of the contract. The acceptance is another component of a valid contract. For the acceptance of an offer to be valid, it must be extended while the offer is still on the table.

I recommend: Read more about the offer and acceptance of a contract at Onecle Opinions.

Legality

Legality speaks to the subject matter of the contract. Although individuals or businesses may willingly agree to the terms of a contract, a contract with illegal terms will not be uphold in a Georgia court of law.

I recommend: Read more about contract legality at Guide to Georgia Contract Law.

Arbitration clause

An arbitration clause is language used by parties to an agreement to willingly waive their rights to address business disputes in the courts. This clause states that all parties will agree to handle any claims, disputes or disagreements outside the courtroom.

I recommend: Learn more about arbitration clauses at Georgia Law Blog.

Equitable remedies

Equitable remedies are the damages that can be awarded to businesses and individuals who win breach of contract claims. These awards are typically awarded when the courts find that the defendant has been financial hurt by the other party's failure to comply with the contract terms.

I recommend: Read more about equitable remedies at Georgia Lawyer Directory.

Attorneys in Georgia have good reason to stay informed on Georgia contract law news and trends. Attorneys need to keep track of current forms and procedures in Georgia contract law. A court can also make a new ruling in cases involving contract law, which can affect the way these attorneys do their jobs. Attorneys also may need to stay updated on what the public is saying about contract law, in order to correct any misconceptions they may have.

The best sources of information on news and trends for GA contract law may be grouped into the following three categories:

1. Government websites on contract law in GA. These sites are the best source of official news on Georgia contract law, such as current procedures or rulings.
2. Independent sources of news on California contract laws, such as blogs, magazines and newspapers. These sources are the most likely to provide news and opinions on contract law that do not rely on any particular business or lobby group.
3. Contract law attorneys. Legal professionals may be able to provide inside news and information on contract law.
   

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Find state websites with official news and other information on Georgia contract law practices

Georgia government websites are the best places to get the latest news about Georgia contract laws. A Georgia government website also may publish the state statutes to help attorneys stay informed on the latest legislation that relates to Georgia contract law.

I recommend: The Department of Law for the state of Georgia provides a recent opinion on Georgia contract law regarding child support payments. Weblocator provides the current requirements for a contract under Georgia law.

Examine independent sources of news and trends on GA contract laws

Universities, law libraries and other organizations frequently report on recent court cases and legislative updates on Georgia contract laws. Individuals also may keep blogs and journals on contract law in Georgia.

I recommend: The Atlanta Business Lawyer Blog has a post on recent changes in Georgia contract law in the area of real estate. Legal Blog Atlanta offers a variety of recent posts that deal with contract law cases in Georgia.

Find inside news on contract law from Georgia contract law firms

Georgia contract law attorneys frequently have information on Georgia law that is not available elsewhere. These attorneys may publish newsletters or full length articles on a particular aspect of contract law in Georgia.

I recommend: Coleman & Chambers practices business law in Georgia and provides an article on contractors' leins. Smith Currie & Hancock specializes in construction law in Atlanta and provides a variety of articles on contracts, such as "Waiver of Right to Arbitrate."

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contract laws in GA specify the conditions under which a contract may be enforceable. Generally, a valid contract between party A and party B requires that party A gives something of value to party B, and party B must give something of value to party A. The two parties also must agree on the items of value. Contracts made under duress or coercion are generally unenforceable.