Frequently asked questions

Yes. Terms on liability, termination and price changes often sit near the end or in the annexes. If you are short of time, ask for the text in advance.

You can propose changes: a contract is an agreement, not an order. The other party may refuse, and then you decide whether to sign the text as it stands.

Ask for them to be explained in writing or look them up in the glossary. If a clause is still unclear and concerns money, liability or housing, show it to a lawyer.

The law does not usually require it for everyday contracts, but a signature on every page and annex makes it harder to swap pages. What matters most is the signature at the end and signed annexes.

Under Article 161(1)(2) of the Russian Civil Code, transactions between citizens for an amount exceeding ten thousand roubles are made in simple written form, unless notarisation is required.

Who received the money and from whom, the amount, the basis (loan, payment, deposit), repayment terms if it is a loan, the date and the recipient's signature. We do not provide templates: for large sums, draw up the document with a lawyer.

A transfer shows that money moved but does not by itself explain why it was handed over. So it helps to state the purpose of the payment and to draw up a contract or receipt.

At least until the contract is fully performed and the limitation period has ended. Under Russian law the general period is three years (Article 196(1) of the Russian Civil Code), but for some claims it is different.

Gather the documents and messages, reread the contract and send the other party a calm written message describing the problem and proposing how to resolve it.

It is a written demand to remedy a breach within a set time. For some disputes a pre-trial procedure is mandatory; for others it simply helps reach agreement. Ask a lawyer what applies to you.

If negotiations have not worked, the amount is significant for you, housing is involved or you have received official documents from the other party. The sooner a professional sees the papers, the more options you have.

Yes, many everyday disputes end with negotiations or an agreement in which the parties record in writing who does what and by when. Such an agreement should also be signed and kept.