Use the same typeface, margins and font size. Reference the date of the original contract. Title the document in a way that shows it is an addendum to the original contract. For example: “Addendum to January 2, 2009 Employment Contract”.

For example: This contract is between John Doe (“Employer”) and Jane Smith (“Employee”).

For example: “This addendum shall become effective as of today, May 5, 2010. " Place the date in a way that is consistent with the original contract. If the original contract included the date at the beginning of the text, then follow the same format in the addendum.

Specify whether each item replaces a current item in the contract, changes one, or is a new item. For example: “Item I of the Employment Contract shall be modified as follows with the text in bold added to the Item and the text containing a strikethrough deleted:” Use strikethrough and italic or bold font to clarify additions, deletions, and modifications. Attach the original contract to the addendum and reference the fact that you have done so in your addendum. For example: “the original Employment Contract dated January 2, 2009 is attached and made a part of this document”. This will ensure that any party executing the addendum is clear as to which specific contract the addendum modifies.

Prohibit addendums to the contract, especially with regard to altering specific rights or responsibilities. Allow one party to change the terms of the contract without the consent of the other parties involved. Set forth specific requirements for changing the existing contract, such as requiring that any amendment be made in writing and signed by all parties.

Under the common law of most states, a contract addendum is only enforceable if a right or asset of value (known as “consideration”) is exchanged. Under the UCC, consideration is not required to make an addendum enforceable. Contracts governed by both the UCC and common law generally require mutual assent, meaning that all parties must agree to the important elements of the amended contract.

Involves high stakes or a lot of money. [7] X Research source May require consideration to be enforceable, since what constitutes sufficient consideration varies depending on the circumstances of the contract and state law. Specifies rigorous requirements for modifying the contract and you are unsure how to meet them.

Before preparing the addendum, discuss the changes you want to make with the other parties. Make sure everyone understands and agrees to their new rights and obligations under the addendum. Once you have a draft of the addendum, send it to the other parties for their review. Do not sign the addendum until everyone has reached an agreement regarding the essential terms.

If one of the parties who signed the original contract is not available, an agent can sign in his place. For an agent’s signature to be sufficient, the original signatory must have expressly granted the agent the authority to sign contracts on his behalf.

Consideration is a benefit that each party expects to get from the contract. For example, if you rent an apartment, you receive the benefit of using the apartment and the landlord receives the benefit of your paying him rent. [8] X Research source Employment agreements, leases, business agreements are contracts that may require additional consideration for an addendum to be binding. Consider consulting an attorney if you believe consideration may be required, since what constitutes sufficient consideration varies depending on the circumstances of the contract and state law.