The easiest mistakes to prevent are often process mistakes. A missing addendum, stale date, or unchecked property description can distort the entire working summary.
Key takeaways
- Collect and index the complete contract package.
- Compare material terms to independent records.
- Keep uncertain legal questions visible.
Problems worth checking
Look for missing signatures, inconsistent names, incomplete legal descriptions, conflicting dates, unclear included items, omitted notices, and amendments that were not applied to the summary. Check whether an exhibit is referenced but absent.
Use simple controls
Maintain a document index with filename, date, version, signer, and status. Maintain a clause map with duty, deadline, notice method, and evidence. Have a second reviewer compare the summary with the signed package.
Know when to escalate
Ask qualified counsel about default, cancellation, disclosure, title, taxes, remedies, and enforceability. A complete file supports the answer but does not provide it.