Question: Language of legally binding contract

Posted by thepyawkt (101 days ago)

Hi!

I hope someone out there knows this answer - it's short and simple:

What language must a contract be in, in order to be a contract of legal standing? Or, to put it another way, if a contract is only written in English, does is it permissible in court?

I am about to sign my first contract in China, for a school in Beijing, and am wondering if my contract has any legal leg at all, since it is written only in English. Other countries I have taught in, contracts had to be at least a bilingual in order for it to be legal, or only in the country's official language.

Thanks for any info!

~Rob

(I am based in Other)

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Posted by associates (99 days ago)

Normally an English contract would be fine BUT....because you are dealing in the PRC there are MANY compliance issues that directly or indirectly effect this......for example you are in a highly regulated area "education"...it my be that your contract is wholly ILLEGAL in any language. For a proper answer and not vague useless generalities from us..you will need to tell more and provide the contract for review.

Weir & Associates
Solicitors & Notaries
16th Floor Tak Shing House
Theatre Lane
20 Des Voeux Road Central
Central
Hong Kong
Tel : 2526-1767
Fax : 2868-3568
email : weirlaw@hongkonglaw.com
www.HongKongLaw.com/weirlaw

(I am based in Hong Kong)