No point to this post...

[flowerchild]

So, I'm a little freaked out now since reading the other posts. I had no idea what I did was such an issue. Should I let them know tonight at pick up that they have the option of not signing the new contract and sticking to their old contract?

Thank goodness all the children are sleeping so I have time to calm myself down.

[Rachael]

So, I'm a little freaked out now since reading the other posts. I had no idea what I did was such an issue. Should I let them know tonight at pick up that they have the option of not signing the new contract and sticking to their old contract?

Thank goodness all the children are sleeping so I have time to calm myself down.

Sorry, I didn't mean to freak you out. My past career had a hugely heavy part for legislation so legal matters and documents are my strong point and I'll admit I'm a bit fanatical about covering my a$$ legally. As you can see, I was reading your post as being a different situation than what you meant.

You have to decide what you want to do.

I wouldn't give any client the option of sticking to an old contract if I wanted change but likewise, I wouldn't be offering up a new contract if I was okay trucking alone with the old one.

Take a step back a minute.

Firstly - is the issue of this new contract really new? If you are just documenting changes already made, already agreed to and which your client base is already aware of, stop calling it a new contract and consider it one which accurate reflects the agreements in place.

If that ^^^ is your true situation, then yes, issue a revised document but word the issue of it carefully so parents understand this isn't a change to the agreement in place.

i.e.

Dear Client,

Please find enclosed an updated copy of your agreement with me. This update is being issued for your signature with the intention of keeping all documentation current. It documents the following previously agreed changes...

#1 - As per my e-mail dated 10th Feb 2014, all stat holidays will be paid for by clients whose children are registered for care on those days. The day care will not be open on stat days.

(** - Double check what really is a stat day in your province. Here in NS we don't have many actual stat days - Boxing Day, isn't a stat here amongst others. So be really sure that when you say stat days, that you aren't including/expecting days which aren't actually a stat where you are).

2. As per my e-mail dated 15th March, day care fees are now $x per day.


Whatever - list out all the changes you made and they agreed to. Primarily this is so they can't tell you that they didn't agree to a change because by remaining in your care, they have accepted the new contract.

If your contract isn't actually a new agreement, then why offer the option of them returning to the old one?

However, if the new document does include some changes you don't have prior agreement to, then think carefully. They don't have to accept a change. They can decline. This does mean that you ended the agreement as it was. And they don't have to give notice if they aren't accepting the changes. They can just remain under the old contract until the un-agreed change comes into force at which time, you changed the agreement and the old one has expired.