Are statutes and regulations, and indeed contracts, “readable” matter for those that may, in whatever capacity, seek to make use of such documents ? What is required, in order that they be made so “readable ?” And beyond being readable matter, how can statutes, regulations, and contracts contribute to efficient and meaningful interpersonal communication about legal norms ? This paper reports on the findings of an empirical investigation into verbal exchanges between lay persons in contemplation of a contractual relationship : on the one hand prospective buyers of prearranged funeral services contracts, and on the other salespersons acting on behalf of cooperatives that offer such services. Under Québec law, the making of this type of contract comes under an elaborate statutory and regulatory scheme. The investigation produced qualitative data relating to the substance and form of verbal exchanges, to the posture assumed by the service provider’s sales representative, and to the use made of the physical contract document during and after the intercourse leading to agreement. The data offer insights into the respective functions of verbal and written communication when lay persons communicate about entering legally based relationships.