past/present/future

[Hanka]

Hi,

could you please tell me whether it is possible to use past tense in a contract? (See the below examples). Because a contract usually refers to something which has not happened yet, to future events.

Examples:

He is obliged to return any materials which the company provided to him. (OR provides to him??? - because the materials will be provided only after the contract has been signed. They have not been provided yet)

Thanks a lot!

Hanka

[Horsa]

It is perfectly possible but your example sentence is a little odd. Perhaps something like ...

Immediately on completion of the work described herein you are obliged to return to ... all documents and materials provided to you in connection with this contract.