Parties
The people or companies signing — usually defined as 'Party' or by short names like 'Client' and 'Contractor.'
Recitals / 'Whereas'
Background context. Not legally binding, but useful for interpretation.
Consideration
What each side gives — money, services, promises. Required to make a contract enforceable.
Material breach
A serious failure that justifies termination — vs. a 'minor' breach you can fix.
Severability
If one clause is void, the rest still apply. Standard boilerplate.
Boilerplate
Standard miscellaneous provisions at the end — assignment, notices, governing law. Read them anyway.
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Not legal advice. For informational purposes only.