Contracts Lawyers for Indiana

There are no set fees that are in an independent contractor agreement. Generally, what is covered are the fees or costs associated with the work or project and they may also include expenses incurred related to the work or project, such as travel and/or accommodations.

There are many issues involved in this question. I would need to see the original deed and mortgage on your house plus the contract you signed with the contractor. The original mortgage almost certainly had an acceleration clause stating that if you sold the property, then the full mortgage becomes due. Going after the contractor might be possible but other avenues would more likely be the better route to keep your house from being foreclosed. Will also need to see if your contract gives ownership to the contractor or just the right to sell on your behalf. Lots of additional questions that need documents to give you your options.

Signing a non compete or a non disclosure is not in and of itself illegal. In NY and in most states a non compete are individually accessed based on the language and scope (how long and what the non compete entails) and is generally examined by courts under a watchful eye as long as its not too restrictive or burdensome and would not prevent the free movement of goods and services. In order to advise you on your agreement, I would need to review it to advise you. If you need additional assistance, you may contact me directly on Contracts Counsel to engage my services. All the best. Donya Gordon

Here’s how you should think about an event space rental agreement before signing. The legal implications vary depending on the venue’s contract and the state where the event is held, but the following are the main areas that tend to carry the most risk. Liability and Insurance Most agreements include indemnification clauses that shift responsibility for injuries or property damage onto you as the renter. This can mean that if a guest slips on a spill or equipment is damaged, you may be required to cover the venue’s legal costs, even if the venue was partly at fault. Look for mutual indemnification, where the venue accepts responsibility for its own negligence. Venues typically require you to carry general liability insurance and provide proof of coverage, with the venue named as an additional insured. Policy limits are often set at $1 million or more. If you’ll be serving alcohol, check whether liquor liability coverage is required. Make sure the agreement doesn’t attempt to make you liable for “ordinary wear and tear,” which isn’t normally compensable under contract law. Cancellation and Force Majeure Cancellation provisions are often strict. Many venues use a tiered refund system, where the closer you get to the event date, the less you’ll recover. Deposits are usually nonrefundable. You’ll also want clarity on what happens if the venue cancels—at a minimum, you should receive a full refund of amounts already paid. Force majeure clauses excuse both parties if unforeseeable events like government shutdowns, natural disasters, or pandemics prevent the event. Courts interpret these clauses narrowly, so if you want protection for specific risks like labor strikes or public health orders, they should be spelled out in the contract. Financial Terms Base rental fees are often only part of the total cost. Agreements may include cleaning fees, mandatory service charges (often 18 to 25 percent on catering), overtime charges, corkage or cake-cutting fees, or penalties for exceeding capacity. Some contracts classify service charges as administrative fees rather than gratuities, which can affect both budgeting and compliance with state wage laws. Payment schedules should be clear about when deposits are due, when final balances must be paid, and what happens if you miss a deadline. Operational Restrictions Most venues impose rules on how the space can be used. These may include restrictions on decorations (no nails, no open flames), amplified sound, alcohol service, or access times for setup and breakdown. If you want to bring in your own caterer, florist, or DJ, confirm whether outside vendors are allowed or whether you’ll be charged extra for not using preferred providers. Many venues require proof of insurance from outside vendors, which you’ll need to coordinate in advance. Legal Enforceability of Waivers Liability waivers included in venue agreements aren’t enforceable in the same way in every state. For example, New York generally won’t enforce waivers that attempt to release a venue from its own negligence, while many other states will uphold them unless gross negligence or intentional misconduct is involved. This is one area where a lawyer familiar with local law can tell you how much weight the waiver really carries. Practical Steps Before Signing Have your business insurance agent review the venue’s insurance requirements to confirm your policy covers rented event spaces. If not, you can purchase event-specific coverage. Ask the venue to provide a detailed cost estimate including all fees so there are no surprises. Finally, before you commit to an event space rental agreement, make sure the terms don’t leave you with unexpected liability or costs. The experienced business attorneys on Contracts Counsel are available to review your contract, flag risks, and negotiate fairer terms so you can focus on hosting a successful event with confidence.

Agreements often have clauses that survive termination. It would be hard to advise you without seeing the contract. How broad/reasonable the clause is, is there a liquidated damages clause, are they asking for equitable relief, etc. And of course, all these likely involve litigation. And also what is information is confidential as it relates to your new business