changing a contract

[michaelnotar]

a client just emailed me a contract for a job, it is all good except for a section agreeing that the job is work for hire, which i dont like. can i cross that section out and sign the contract agreeing to all but the section i crossed out?

[KevinStecyk]

Originally Posted by michaelnotar

a client just emailed me a contract for a job, it is all good except for a section agreeing that the job is work for hire, which i dont like. can i cross that section out and sign the contract agreeing to all but the section i crossed out?

You can do anything you want, but it won't be binding upon him because he never agreed to your changes. He'd need to initial the changes at a minimum to signify that he agreed to the changes. Without his express written consent on your written contract, you haven't made no progress. A contract represents a meeting of the minds.

If it were me, I'd call'em up, discuss the proposed change, rewrite the contract to reflect our understanding, and then have both parties sign it.

[DougAxford]

Ditto what Kevin said, except that if you are sending the contract back, you need to initial the crossed out section as well as him. You should always have a signed copy for your records.

[michaelnotar]

thanks all.

i am going to strike a few sections of the contract, initial in the marginis and write an addendum saying we both agree to the modifications and have us both sign the addendum.