The Consumer Law & Policy Blog has an interesting discussion about a study testing the extent of consumers’ awareness of the agreements that they read. I’ve discussed this issue before (here and here), and admittedly, some of the documents I’ve "read" have been skimmed more than read.

Interestingly, the people reading believed or interpreted totally different meanings than the original document stated. As CL&P notes, "half of the participants made statements that directly contradicted what they had read." I hate legaleze, and it’s even more frustrating when it’s crammed with other important documents and other materials. The interesting thing about the study is that the testers weren’t trying to deceive people. They disclosed the proper information and the readers still misinterpreted the findings.

Don’t get taken, and don’t be led to believe you’re getting one "bargain" only to end up with another. It’s your right to have someone help interpret the contracts for you. Whether it’s your cell phone contract, or the complex sale of a home, take the documents home for review. Perhaps you’ll save some money and some future heartache. If there’s a cost, that fee might be the very best money you’ve spent.

If you’d like some documents reviewed, contact our office: (405) 748-0318. We’ll be glad to help!