A memorandum of understanding records what two parties have agreed to work on together and how, before signing a binding contract. It sets expectations while usually staying non-binding.
A memorandum of understanding, or MOU, sets down what two parties intend to do together and each side’s role, before they commit to a binding contract. It is common at the start of a partnership, a joint project, or a deal that still needs to be worked out. Most of an MOU is a statement of intent rather than an enforceable obligation, though confidentiality is usually treated as binding.
Open it in the editor with the fields already mapped, or download the DOCX to edit offline.
Drop signature and date fields, then route each party in order or in parallel.
Everyone signs, and you get a tamper-evident PDF plus an audit certificate.
Free forever. No credit card. Your recipients sign with no account.
Use an MOU when two sides have agreed in principle to work together but are not ready for a binding contract. It captures the shared plan, keeps everyone aligned, and gives lawyers a clear brief for the definitive agreement that follows. It is a starting point, not the finish line.
Usually not, and that is the point. An MOU records intent. This template says plainly that it is non-binding, except for the confidentiality and governing-law sections, which are meant to hold. If you want the whole thing enforceable, you do not want an MOU; you want a contract.
The most useful part of an MOU is the split of roles. Write down what each party will do and contribute, so there is a shared record even without legal force. Being specific here prevents the “I thought you were handling that” problem later.
Even when the rest of an MOU is non-binding, the information the parties share while exploring the deal is real. This template keeps the confidentiality clause binding, so early disclosures stay protected whether or not the wider deal goes ahead.
Set how long the MOU lasts, or tie its end to signing a definitive agreement. Either party can usually walk away on notice, since nothing binds them to proceed. When you are ready, the MOU becomes the outline for the binding contract.
Add both parties’ names, the effective date, the purpose, each side’s responsibilities, and the governing-law state. Keep the non-binding clause unless you specifically intend otherwise, and take legal advice before making an MOU binding.
Signing an MOU online is quick and leaves a clear record of who agreed and when. Upload the template, drop signature and date fields for both parties, and send it. Each side signs from an emailed link and you get a sealed copy with an audit trail.
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) both parties can sign before sharing anything confidential.
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View templateThis template and the guidance on this page are provided for general information only and are not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state, so review the final document against your own situation and have a qualified lawyer check anything high-value or regulated before you sign.
Generally no. An MOU records intent, not enforceable obligations. This template states it is non-binding except for its confidentiality and governing-law sections. If you need the whole document enforceable, use a contract instead.
A contract creates binding, enforceable obligations. An MOU records a shared understanding and intentions, usually without binding the parties to proceed. MOUs often come first and lead into a contract.
They are very similar and often used interchangeably. Both set out intentions before a binding deal. An MOU tends to cover a two-way understanding with roles for each side; a letter of intent is often one party stating its intentions.
Yes. Signing shows both parties acknowledge the shared understanding and the binding parts, like confidentiality. It also records the date and the people who agreed, which is useful if the relationship is ever questioned.
Yes. Take the editable Word file to adapt it, or the print-ready PDF. You can also fill and sign it online with no download, which keeps a full audit trail.
Yes. Both parties sign one MOU to record the shared understanding. Signing online routes the same document to each and returns one sealed copy.
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