Contracts? Who keeps what?

[jsanz11]

Does the client take the original and I keep the copy or the other way around? and why?
-Joey

[710 Studio]

I give the clients a copy of it and I keep the original. That way, with the original in my hands, the client cannot alter it in any way. If they DO alter it, they're altering a copy... which doesn't look good, of course.

[cdifoto]

I have the client(s) sign a copy for each person involved, so everyone gets what's effectively an original.

[jsanz11]

CDifoto,
Let's say my contract has all the of the clients information that they write in. I dont' want them to have to fill out to contracts plus that would make it 2 sepearte contracts?
I have ac ontract they see and red and also fill in all their information which has signature lines and initails at the bottom for them to sign. I'm assuming I keeping this copy and giving them the original is best?
-Joey

[tcphoto1]

I keep the original and send the Client a PDF copy via email.

[jsanz11]

Good Idea. Maybe a PDF would be better.
Thanks for the advice

[tim]

I keep the original and give the customers a copy. I copy it in color so they probably couldn't tell anyway. Occasionally I do what CDI does so everyone has an original.

[cdifoto]

CDifoto,
Let's say my contract has all the of the clients information that they write in. I dont' want them to have to fill out to contracts plus that would make it 2 sepearte contracts?
I have ac ontract they see and red and also fill in all their information which has signature lines and initails at the bottom for them to sign. I'm assuming I keeping this copy and giving them the original is best?
-Joey
My contracts are pre-filled. They just sign and date.

[sfaust]

Some clients might not feel comfortable with signing a contract, then having it leave with the photographer assuming they will get a copy later. And there isn't always a copy machine handy. So I print out two versions of the contract, and the client and I sign each one. All they need to do is print their name, sign it, and add a date and doing that twice isn't a big deal.

Basically, its just two copies of the same contract with original signatures on each one, not really two separate contracts. Even if it was deemed legally to be two contracts, would it make a difference if they are identical? Either one can supersede the other, each with equal end results ;)