do the same for the following: Recognizing the difference between pre-offers and enforceable offers protects parties from being unintentionally bound by informal communications. This distinction is especially important during contract review, where the determination of whether a binding contract exists depends on identifying when all essential elementsoffer, acceptance, and considerationare present. Legally, a contract is formed when these elements align, regardless of whether a signature has yet been exchanged. While many agreements are formalized through signatures, a contract may be legally binding beforehand if both parties agree to all material terms and intend to be bound. Conversely, if the parties clearly state that no contract exists until signatures are exchanged, then signing becomes the definitive point of formation