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Contract Addendum

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CONTRACT ADDENDUM

THIS CONTRACT ADDENDUM dated this ________ day of ________________, ________

BETWEEN:

_________________________

OF THE FIRST PART

- AND-

_________________________

OF THE SECOND PART

  1. Background
  2. _________________________ and _________________________ (the "Parties") entered into the contract (the "Contract") dated March 18, 2024, for the purpose of: ______________________________________________.
  3. The Parties desire to amend the Contract on the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract Addendum (the "Agreement").
  4. This Agreement is the first amendment to the Contract.
  5. References in this Agreement to the Contract are to the Contract as previously amended or varied.

IN CONSIDERATION OF the Parties agreeing to amend their obligations in the existing Contract, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree to keep, perform, and fulfill the promises, conditions and agreements below:

  1. Amendments
  2. The Contract is amended as follows:
    1. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
  3. No Other Change
  4. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all of the terms and conditions of the Contract remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
  5. Miscellaneous Terms
  6. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement will have the meanings ascribed to them in the Contract. Headings are inserted for the convenience of the parties only and are not to be considered when interpreting this Agreement. Words in the singular mean and include the plural and vice versa. Words in the masculine include the feminine and vice versa. No regard for gender is intended by the language in this Agreement.
  7. Governing Law
  8. Subject to the terms of the Contract, it is the intention of the Parties that this Agreement, and all suits and special proceedings under this Agreement, be construed in accordance with and governed, to the exclusion of the law of any other forum, by the laws of the Province of Alberta, without regard to the jurisdiction in which any action or special proceeding may be instituted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have duly affixed their signatures under hand and seal on this ________ day of ________________, ________.

_______________________________
WITNESS:  ______________________

_______________________________
______________________(Party)

_______________________________
WITNESS:  ______________________

_______________________________
______________________(Party)

Last Updated January 30, 2024

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What is a Contract Addendum?

A Contract Addendum is a document that changes a contract without superseding it. In other words, any terms that haven’t been modified by the Contract Addendum remain in place. 

It’s beneficial to put your changes in writing because you can clarify information, create evidence, and maintain the integrity of your original agreement. Sometimes, this is easier than creating an entirely new contract.

Use LawDepot’s Contract Addendum template to create a written record of an addition, deletion, or modification of a contract term. This is a general template that works for a wide array of documents, including:

If you’d like a template with wording for a specific type of contract, we also offer a Codicil (for changing a Last Will and Testament), a Lease Amending Agreement, and a Partnership Amendment

A Contract Addendum is also known as:

  • Contract Amendment
  • Amending Agreement
  • Addendum

Want to transfer the rights and obligations of a contract entirely to someone else?

Use an Assignment Agreement instead.

When can I write an Addendum?

You can only amend a contract after signing it. This may be to reflect a change in law, but more often it’s to accommodate the needs of one or both parties. For instance, a common reason for an amendment is simply to change a party's name. 

You don’t need to make a Contract Addendum before signing a contract because the original terms aren’t effective yet. In this case, speak with the party responsible for drafting the document and make the changes there. Terms typically become legally binding once all parties sign the document.

Likewise, you cannot amend an expired contract because its terms are no longer effective. You’ll need to make a new contract.

How do I write a Contract Addendum?

Answer our user-friendly questionnaire to customize your Contract Addendum. We’ll walk you through three easy steps, so you can feel confident your document includes the right information.

Step 1: Describe the original contract

It’s crucial to give specific details about the original contract, including:

  • It’s amendment history 
  • The jurisdiction that applies
  • The names of the parties involved
  • The date it took effect
  • Its purpose

Step 2: Make your amendments

Our template allows you to make up to five amendments in a single Contract Addendum. 

Remember to use clear and simple language when writing your changes. If you need guidance, the questionnaire includes sample text for you to reference. 

It’s also important to refer to the original contract, especially if there are specific sections or clauses that you’ll alter. If you’re adding a brand new clause, explain where it will be inserted in the original contract. 

Examples of contract changes may be to alter:

  • Shipping details, such as quantities or delivery dates
  • The obligations of one or both parties
  • Terms and conditions of employment
  • Payment amounts or due dates
  • A contract's duration
  • Terms of service
While there is no legal limit to the number of times you can amend a contract, it’s best practice to create an entirely new contract if changes are still needed after the fifth amendment.

Step 3: Sign the document

Once all the parties review the document, they should sign their names to consent to the changes and bring them into effect. 

Attach your Addendum to the original contract or agreement.

Is an Addendum legally binding?

Like any contract, a Contract Addendum must meet certain criteria to be legally binding. Read more about what this entails in LawDepot’s Guide to Signing and Managing Contracts

The Addendum will be invalid if one or more of the following key elements are missing:

  1. Offer and acceptance: One party suggests a change to the contract and the other parties agree.
  2. Consideration: Each party stands to benefit from the contract. For example, this could be a monetary benefit, a service, or something else of value. If the Addendum is to add a party name to a contract, it’s likely the consideration is explained in the original agreement.
  3. Mutuality: Both parties intend to create a valid and enforceable contract.
  4. Legality: The amendment cannot contain an illegal promise or consideration. For instance, an employer cannot add a clause to an Employment Contract that waives the employee’s right to worker’s injury protection. Most provinces declare that every worker is entitled to such protection.
  5. Capacity: Each party is mentally and legally competent to understand and agree to the contract.

No, a legal contract between two or more parties generally can’t be altered unilaterally. In other words, everyone involved must give mutual consent to change a legally binding contract. 

There may be some exceptions to this legal standard depending on your situation. Consult a lawyer to learn more about how contract law applies to you.

Should I notarize my Contract Addendum?

Although most cases don’t require you to notarize your Addendum, doing so helps reinforce the validity of the parties' signatures and intent to modify a contract.

What’s more, you may wish to get a lawyer to review your document to ensure you use the proper language and that the terms don’t create unintended consequences. A lawyer can also confirm whether the amendment meets the criteria for a valid contract in your jurisdiction.

Related Documents:

  • Assignment Agreement: This form transfers contract rights and obligations to another party completely.
  • Codicil: This document specifically makes changes to your Last Will and Testament.
  • Letter of Intent: A non-binding document that outlines an understanding for a future agreement.
  • Lease Amending Agreement: Use this template to alter the terms of a Residential or Commercial Lease Agreement.
  • Partnership Amendment: Add, delete, or modify the terms of a Partnership Agreement.
  • Termination Agreement: If the parties can agree, they can use this document to end a contract early and legally.
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