oboloo

oboloo Articles

What is Contract Preamble? Definition

What is Contract Preamble? Definition

A contract preamble is defined as a “short statement at the beginning of a document that introduces the contract and parties to it.” In other words, it’s a brief overview of what the contract entails and who is involved in it. The contract preamble usually comes after the title page and before the actual body of the contract. It can be as short as a few sentences or as long as a paragraph, depending on the complexity of the contract. Ultimately, its purpose is to give the reader a quick snapshot of what they can expect from the document. While the preamble is not legally binding, it can be used by courts to interpret the contract if there is ambiguity. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that the preamble is clear and concise. If you’re drafting a contract, be sure to include a preamble so that everyone knows what they’re getting into. And if you’re reviewing a contract, pay close attention to the preamble to get a better understanding of what you’re agreeing to.

What is a Contract Preamble?

A contract preamble is a statement that is made before the main text of a contract. It sets out the intention of the parties to the contract and can be used to help interpret the contract if there is ever a dispute. The preamble can also be used to give background information about the parties or the situation that led to them entering into the contract.

The Definition of a Contract Preamble

A contract preamble is a brief statement that typically appears at the beginning of a contract. It sets forth the parties to the contract, the date of the agreement, and sometimes a brief description of the contract’s purpose. The preamble is followed by the body of the contract, which contains the actual contractual terms and conditions.

The definition of a contract preamble can vary depending on the jurisdiction in which the contract was executed. In some jurisdictions, a preamble may be considered part of the contract if it contains essential information about the parties or the agreement’s purpose. In other jurisdictions, a preamble may be treated as extraneous material that does not form part of the contract.

What is the Purpose of a Contract Preamble?

A contract preamble is a brief statement that appears at the beginning of a contract. It typically sets forth the parties to the agreement, the date of the agreement, and the purpose of the agreement. The preamble is followed by the body of the contract, which contains the actual terms and conditions of the agreement.

The purpose of a contract preamble is to provide a general overview of the agreement and to set forth its basic terms. It is not intended to be a detailed description of all the rights and obligations of the parties. The preamble should be read in conjunction with the body of the contract to ensure that all of the terms and conditions are understood.

How to Write a Contract Preamble

A contract preamble is a brief introductory statement that sets forth the parties to a contract and the purpose of the agreement. The preamble should be followed by a more detailed explanation of the terms and conditions of the contract.

When writing a contract preamble, be sure to include the following information:
-The names of the contracting parties
-The date on which the contract is being executed
-A brief description of the contractual relationship between the parties
-The purpose of the agreement

For example:
This Contract is made and entered into on October 1, 2018, by and between John Doe, an individual with a mailing address of 1234 Main Street, Anytown, USA (“Contractor”), and Jane Smith, an individual with a mailing address of 5678 Elm Street, Anytown, USA (“Client”).
Contractor and Client agree as follows:

Examples of Contract Preambles

In order to better understand what a contract preamble is, it is helpful to review examples of contract preambles. Below are three examples of contract preambles:

1. This agreement is made and entered into as of the date of the last signature below by and between [Party A] and [Party B], collectively referred to herein as the “Parties.”

2. WHEREAS, Party A and Party B are entering into this agreement on the date of the last signature below;

3. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

When to Use a Contract Preamble

The contract preamble is a section of text that appears at the beginning of a contract. It typically includes the names of the parties to the contract, the date of the contract, and a brief description of the contract’s purpose. The preamble can also set forth the contractual terms in general terms, without getting into specifics.

While not required, a preamble can be helpful in providing context for the reader. It can be used to explain why the parties are entering into the contract and what they hope to achieve. A preamble can also be used to define key terms that will be used throughout the contract.

If you decide to include a preamble in your contract, make sure it is clear and concise. You want your readers to be able to quickly grasp the basic information contained therein. If you have any questions about whether or not a preamble is appropriate for your particular situation, consult with an experienced attorney.

Conclusion

A contract preamble is a section at the beginning of a contract that typically contains the names of the parties to the agreement and sets forth their intentions. The preamble can also be used to establish an agreement’s effective date or define certain terms used throughout the document. Although not required, a well-drafted preamble can provide helpful context for interpreting the remainder of the contract.

Want to find out more about contract management?

Access more blogs, articles and FAQ's and discover oboloo's contract management capabilities

Oboloo transparent

The smarter way to have full visibility & control of your suppliers

Contact

Feel free to contact us here. Our support team will get back to you as soon as possible

Oboloo transparent

The smarter way to have full visibility & control of your suppliers

Contact

Feel free to contact us here. Our support team will get back to you as soon as possible

© 2024 oboloo Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of oboloo content, including by framing or similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of oboloo Limited. oboloo, Be Supplier Smart and the oboloo logo are registered trademarks of oboloo Limited and its affiliated companies. Trademark numbers: UK00003466421 & UK00003575938 Company Number 12420854. ICO Reference Number: ZA764971