ABA Family Legal Guide

Contracts and Consumer Law

Types of Contracts

Consumers generally do not ask to see a sales contract; the contract is thrust upon them by the seller, most commonly at a car dealership, real estate agency, or apartment manager's office. The contract terms are generally set out in a form with numerous blanks on it, which can be filled in with the names of the parties, the financial terms, and so on. You'll probably be expected to sign without asking any questions, and the other side probably won't be sympathetic if you ask for time to read the contract from start to finish.

This section will help you understand what you can do to protect yourself, and what to look for in various contracts.

Subsections

1. Practical Contracts
2. Leases and Surety Contracts
3. Warranties