Why it helps
Contracts, leases and terms and conditions are written for lawyers, not for the person signing. Words like "indemnify", "successive terms" and "liquidated damages" can hide something that matters, like an automatic renewal or a big fee for leaving early.
AI can translate a clause into plain English, point out the bits worth a closer look, and help you write a short list of questions. That makes it easier to decide whether you need advice, and it makes the time you spend with a lawyer more useful. It does not tell you whether the contract is fair, legal or right for you.
The prompt
Copy it, swap the bits in [square brackets], and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot.
I'm in New Zealand and I've been asked to sign the [contract / lease / terms and conditions] below. Explain it in plain English, in NZ English, for someone with no legal background. 1. What does this clause (or document) say, in simple words? 2. What could it mean for me in practice? Give a short everyday example. 3. Which parts are worth a closer look, like costs, renewals, cancellation, who's responsible if something goes wrong, or anything one-sided? 4. Explain any legal words in one line each. 5. Give me 4 to 6 questions to ask the other party or a lawyer before I sign. Rules: - Only use what's in the text. Don't invent terms, laws or amounts. - Don't tell me whether it's legal, enforceable or fair. Say where I should get proper advice. - If you're not sure how NZ law applies, say so plainly. Text: [paste the clause or section, with names, addresses, business names and account numbers removed]
Then keep chatting
Explain point 3 again as a short checklist.
Draft a polite email asking the other party to explain or change this clause. Use placeholders for names.
What's normally included in a [type of contract] that seems to be missing here? Say if you're not sure.
Summarise the whole thing in 5 bullet points I can share with my partner or business partner.
Step by step
- Find the clauses you're unsure about. You don't have to paste the whole contract. The sections on price, term, renewal, cancellation and liability are a good start.
- Remove names, addresses, business names, signatures and any account or reference numbers. Replace them with [Party A] and [Party B].
- Paste the prompt and the text. Read the plain-English version alongside the original.
- Check anything that matters, like dates, notice periods and fees, against the original. The contract wording is what counts, not the summary.
- Take the questions to the other party, Community Law or a lawyer before you sign.
Worked example
Example details are made up. Your results will vary, so always read and check before you use them.
Watch out for
- This is not legal advice. AI can misread a clause, miss how it connects to the rest of the contract, or apply overseas law. For anything that matters, check with a lawyer or Community Law (communitylaw.org.nz), which offers free legal help.
- Privacy: remove names, addresses, business names, signatures and account numbers before pasting. If the contract is marked confidential, check whether you're allowed to share it with an AI tool at all.
- Rented home? Tenancy Services (tenancy.govt.nz) explains your rights. Employment agreement? See employment.govt.nz. For consumer contracts and T&Cs, consumerprotection.govt.nz covers the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act.
- The original wording always wins. If the AI's summary and the contract differ, go with the contract.
Go further
Before you sign anything big, ask AI for your list of questions, then take those questions to a lawyer or Community Law. If you're comparing offers from two suppliers, the [supplier quote comparison](/use-cases/supplier-quote-comparison) use case can help you lay the terms side by side.
