A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is a type of agreement between two or more parties that expresses a convergence of will between the parties, indicating an intended common line of action. It is a nonbinding agreement that states each partys intentions to take action, conduct a business transaction, or form a new partnership. MOUs communicate the mutually accepted expectations of all of the parties involved in a negotiation, and while not necessarily legally binding, they signal that a binding contract is imminent. MOUs are often used before drafting the main contract in the early stages of an agreement, and they allow stakeholders to gain a mutual understanding of the responsibilities of each partner. Some key features that are typically included in an MOU are the names of the parties involved, the details of the project on which they are agreeing, the full scope of the project, and the individual roles and responsibilities. MOUs are not enforceable contracts because no offers are presented and no transactions are made, but they create a paper trail outlining what has been agreed as part of negotiations and set out terms for cooperation. MOUs are most often found in international relations, but they can be used in any situation where parties want a written agreement but not a legally binding one.