Posted by
Playful Walrus on Monday, September 29, 2008 12:11:40 PM
Okay, so we don't rely on handshakes. We put everything in writing, in detailed written contracts that lawyers and other people have reviewed and processed so that every "i" is dotted and every "t" is crossed. These contracts are entered into by consenting adults.
And yet, when the going gets tough, the contracts are ignored or set aside.
We're seeing this with people who use credit cards and then want their debt erased without paying it off. We're seeing this right now with people who got mortgages they could afford in the short term, but not the long term, and people who offered these mortgages without verifying that these people would be likely be able to pay in the long term.
I guess this shouldn't be a surprise.
How often have we seen women successfully challenge prenuptial agreements that they signed as adults, with the advice of their own attorney?
Why can't we look these people in the eye and say "I see your signature right here. You signed this agreement. You are going to be held to this agreement."?
It is getting to the point where the only way an honest person can protect themselves is not to enter into contracts in the first place.