Signing a contract may seem like a simple formality, but it is a legal commitment that can have consequences for months or even years. Many people skim through or trust that “everything will be fine,” only to later discover unfair clauses or hidden conditions.

To avoid surprises, we’ve prepared a practical checklist you can follow whenever you receive a contract. By applying it, you’ll have the confidence that you are not signing anything that could harm you.

Checklist to review a contract before signing

1. Check the basic information

• Full name and correct details of all parties.
• Tax ID, addresses, and legal representatives correctly written.
• Ensure no party involved in the transaction is missing.

👉 An error here could invalidate the contract or complicate legal proceedings.

2. Define the purpose of the contract

• What exactly is being offered?
• What is included and what isn’t?
• Are there time or territorial limitations?

👉 The purpose must be described clearly, without vague phrases like “as agreed later” or “usual services”.

3. Review deadlines and duration

• When does the contract start and end?
• Are there automatic renewals?
• What happens if you want to terminate it early?

👉 Many people are surprised to discover clauses that automatically renew contracts without notice.

4. Review the obligations of each party

• What commitments are you taking on?
• What obligations does the other party have?
• What happens in case of breach?

👉 If your obligations are very detailed but the other party’s are vague, be careful: there may be an imbalance.

5. Check the financial terms

• Total price (including VAT or taxes).
• Payment method and deadlines.
• Additional costs or hidden fees.

👉 Ensure there are no surprise costs like maintenance, insurance, or hidden fees not mentioned upfront.

6. Look for unfair or disproportionate clauses

Some common ones include:

• Excessive penalties for breach.
• Automatic renewals with long advance notice periods.
• Unjust limitations on your rights as a consumer or worker.
• Forced exclusivity without adequate compensation.

7. Confidentiality and data protection

• Does it include confidentiality clauses?
• What data are you sharing and how is it protected?
• Is it compliant with GDPR or other applicable laws?

8. Jurisdiction and dispute resolution

• Which courts will have jurisdiction in case of dispute?
• Is arbitration or mediation specified?

👉 If the contract fixes jurisdiction in a location far from your residence, it could make a claim more difficult.

Final tips before signing a contract

• Don’t rush: take the time to read it fully.
• Ask about anything unclear: you have the right to have clauses explained.
• Seek legal advice if the contract is complex or high-stakes.
• Use automated analysis tools like Lawphobia, which highlight key clauses, dates, and risks in seconds.

Conclusion

Signing a contract should never be done blindly. With this checklist, you can catch common errors and unfair clauses before it’s too late.
And if you want a quick, clear review, try Lawphobia: upload your contract, get an automated analysis, and discover which points deserve your attention.