If there is a contract dispute, which of the following would take precedence?

Handwritten words have precedence in contract disputes due to their perceived intent and specificity in conveying the parties' agreements. When a contract is created, it may contain printed wording, boilerplate clauses, and provisions that are sometimes amended or clarified with handwritten additions or alterations.

The logic behind prioritizing handwritten terms is rooted in the idea that they reflect the most current and agreed-upon intentions of the parties involved. Since these alterations or additions are made at the time of the agreement, they are seen as being tailored specifically to the situation at hand, thus holding more weight than standard printed or boilerplate language.

In practice, if a contract contains conflicting elements, courts tend to see handwritten adjustments as more significant because they indicate intentional modifications made by the parties, highlighting their direct negotiation and agreement as opposed to what may be more generic language found in boilerplate sections or printed text.

This prioritization underscores the importance of clear communication and intentions in contractual relationships, where parties should ensure that any adjustments or important details are explicitly written by hand to avoid misunderstandings or disputes later on.