Titles and subtitles: Overview, definition, and example
What is titles and subtitles?
Titles and subtitles refer to the headings used throughout a contract to organize its content. Titles are the main section labels (like “Payment Terms” or “Confidentiality”), while subtitles break those sections down further (like “Late Payment” or “Exceptions to Confidentiality”). These headings don’t usually carry legal meaning on their own, but they help make the document easier to read and understand.
Why is titles and subtitles important?
Well-structured titles and subtitles make a contract easier to navigate, especially when it’s long or complex. They help both parties quickly find what they’re looking for and understand the structure of the agreement. From a legal perspective, they can also help avoid misunderstandings. Without them, important obligations might get buried in dense paragraphs, increasing the risk of oversight or misinterpretation.
Understanding titles and subtitles through an example
Here’s how titles and subtitles might be used in a real contract. Imagine BrightLeaf Marketing signs a service agreement with ZenPixel Studio. The contract includes a section titled “Payment Terms,” with subtitles like “Invoicing Schedule” and “Late Fees.” These labels help each side find and discuss the financial terms without having to dig through pages of text.
Later, if there's a disagreement about when payment is due, they can both refer directly to the relevant subtitle to clarify what was agreed.
Example of a titles and subtitles clause
Here’s how an example titles and subtitles clause may look like in a contract:
The section and subsection headings contained in this agreement are for convenience only and do not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision. Headings may not be used to limit or expand the scope of any clause, and shall not be considered part of the contractual obligations unless expressly stated otherwise.
Conclusion
Titles and subtitles help make contracts more readable and manageable, especially for non-lawyers. While they don’t usually change the legal meaning of a contract, they play a practical role in communication, clarity, and accessibility. For any business contract, clear headings are a simple way to reduce confusion and make negotiations easier.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.