Halloween is just around the corner, and while we love a good scare on the screen, there’s nothing more terrifying in business than a legal disaster! Like the strong women we admire in iconic Halloween movies and shows (Practical Magic, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Witches of Eastwick, to name a few), every woman entrepreneur needs to be prepared for the unexpected. One of the best ways to protect yourself is through well-drafted contracts.
In this post, we’ll explore five common legal issues that women business owners face and how the right contract can prevent them. And just in time for Halloween, we’re offering 20% off all contract drafting services! So let’s dive in—before your business becomes the next legal horror story.
1. The Owens Sisters’ Curse: Bad Luck Without a Contract
(Inspired by Practical Magic)
In Practical Magic, the Owens sisters know all too well about curses, and in business, bad luck can strike when you least expect it—especially if you don’t have a solid contract in place. One of the most common issues we see is when clients or customers don’t pay. Without a clear contract, you could be left chasing payments and struggling to get what you’re owed.
How to avoid the curse: A strong client agreement with clear payment terms can protect you from clients disappearing or delaying payments. Ensure it covers due dates, consequences for late payments, and dispute resolution methods.
2. Sabrina’s Unexpected Chaos: Scope Creep Without Boundaries
(Inspired by Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
Just like Sabrina’s magic sometimes spirals out of control, business relationships can get chaotic when there’s no clarity on what’s included in your services. Scope creep—when clients expect more than what was originally agreed upon—can drain your time and resources.
How to stay in control: Your contract should clearly define the scope of your services. Include specific deliverables, timelines, and a process for managing changes to the original agreement (like additional fees for extra work). This will keep your projects from spiraling into a nightmare.
3. The Witches of Eastwick’s Unwelcome Surprises: Unclear Client Expectations
(Inspired by Witches of Eastwick)
In Witches of Eastwick, the characters get more than they bargained for when their mysterious visitor shows up—and in business, failing to manage client expectations can lead to equally unwelcome surprises. Misunderstandings about deliverables, timelines, or communication can damage relationships and result in disputes.
How to manage the magic: Prevent misunderstandings by setting clear expectations in your contract. Outline how you’ll communicate with your client, the expected timeline for delivery, and what happens if things go off track. A clear contract ensures that both you and your client are on the same page from the start.
4. Buffy’s Big Bad: No Protection Against Liability
(Inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Just like Buffy always faces the “Big Bad” at the end of each season, your business faces real risks if you don’t have the right liability protections in place. What if a client sues you for damages or claims your services caused harm?
How to defeat the Big Bad: Include a limitation of liability clause in your contract to protect your business from being held responsible for issues beyond your control. Also, make sure you have a solid indemnity clause that protects you if a client tries to make you liable for their mistakes.
5. The Coven’s Broken Trust: Partnerships Without Proper Agreements
(Inspired by American Horror Story: Coven)
In Coven, power struggles and broken alliances cause chaos. Similarly, going into business with partners or collaborators without a proper agreement can quickly turn disastrous. Even with the best of intentions, misunderstandings can lead to conflict.
How to stay spellbound together: Draft a comprehensive partnership agreement that details roles, responsibilities, decision-making processes, and how profits and losses will be shared. This ensures that everyone is aligned and helps prevent disputes before they arise.
Don’t Let Your Business Become a Horror Story!
Just like your favourite Halloween heroines, your business needs the right protections to thrive. Contracts are your magic spell to ward off unexpected issues and keep everything running smoothly. And this Halloween, we’re making it easier for you to protect your business with 20% off all contract drafting services—available until October 31st.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today to get your contracts in place and avoid any future legal nightmares.
Need some legal help? Book a Discovery Call
If you’ve identified something that’s affecting your business, or you’d like to discuss how these topics apply to you, you can book a free discovery call with Her Lawyer here.
