Generally, an MOU is not a legally binding agreement but usually precedes one. Legal Considerations Is an MOU a Legally Binding Agreement? Wish to enter a legal agreement with another individual, group, or company.Run a company, and another company has asked partner with you.Run a company and would like to partner with another company.Run a company and often partner with other businesses.When to and When Not to Use a Memorandum of Understandingīecause an MOU lays out the terms of an agreement, you can use one if you: They then sign the final draft of the MOU. Step 5: (Additions) Lastly, the parties indicate any disclaimers, restrictions, or privacy statements that must be part of the agreement.Step 4: (Timeline Decisions) If negotiations are successful, the parties develop a timeline within which the MOU will take effect and the terms of termination.Step 3: (Negotiations) Next, the parties engage in mediation or negotiation, in line with the guidelines described in the MOU document.Step 2: (Drafting) With both parties on the same page regarding what the agreement should cover, the next step is to draft the initial document, adding all the elements discussed above.If they agree on the specifications, they move on to the next step. Step 1: (Planning) Both parties stipulate what they want from the contract and the areas they are willing to negotiate.To prepare it, you will need a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Template and the following guide: Authentication: This contains the signatures and signature dates of each party.Īs explained, an MOU sets out the terms of a legal contract that the parties are considering getting into but is not a binding agreement itself.Dispute Resolution: Explains how the parties should address any disputes that arise.Alteration or Termination Conditions: Defines the terms under which the parties can alter, amend, or terminate the MOU.Disclaimer: Outlines that all MOU-related activities must comply with state and federal laws.Collaboration Terms: Define what activities the project entails, which can be cooperation (those performed by partners) or resources (the funds brought by the partners).Purpose: It is the subject matter of the document and explains why the MOU is being prepared.Introduction: This section reviews the agreement, its purpose, the parties involved, and their contact information.It indicates the exact day, month, and year the MOU was prepared and made effective. Agreement Date: Usually the first item in an MOU.Preparing an MOU begins with understanding its essential elements. Essential Elements of a Memorandum of Understanding It can be customized to create a working MOU. What Is a Memorandum of Understanding Template?Īn MOU template is a printable model document that contains the basic outline of the terms of an upcoming agreement. They are preferred to treaties because, unlike treaties, they are easy to keep secret and don’t require an exchange of funding. MOUs are commonly used in international and multinational forums to represent the expectations laid out by the nations involved.
Usually, people sign MOUs when they are willing but not yet ready to sign a binding contract. Think of it as a letter of intent that sets out the terms of an agreement that is in progress. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a non-binding document prepared and signed by two parties describing a potential legal contract.