Freelance Contract FAQ: 12 Things Every Freelancer Asks

Yes — even for small projects. A brief one-page agreement is better than no agreement. For ongoing clients you trust, a master service agreement covering all future work is efficient.

At minimum: scope of work, total fee, payment schedule, deadline, and what happens if either party wants to cancel. Even these basics prevent most disputes.

Whenever possible, you should write the contract. The party who drafts the contract controls the language. If a client sends their contract, read it carefully — especially clauses on IP ownership, payment, and termination.

Use a change order or amendment — a brief written document that both parties sign, describing the new work and the additional fee. Never do out-of-scope work without written agreement.

A kill fee is a payment the client owes if they cancel a project after work has begun. Yes — always include it. A common formula: 25% of remaining project fee for projects less than 50% complete; 50% for projects more than 50% complete.

You do, by default — in most countries, the creator retains intellectual property rights. Rights only transfer to the client if your contract explicitly states it. If you want to keep a portfolio right, specify that in the contract.

Yes for most standard freelance work. Customize the scope, payment terms, and governing law. For contracts above $10,000–$20,000 or for highly specialized work (pharmaceutical, legal, government), legal review is advisable.

A clause that caps your financial exposure if something goes wrong. Example: 'The contractor's liability shall not exceed the total fees paid for the project.' Without it, you could theoretically be sued for far more than you were paid.

Do not start work without a signed agreement. Offer a simplified version if they object to complexity. If a client refuses any contract, consider it a warning sign.

Yes. Electronic signatures (DocuSign, HelloSign, PDF signature, or even a typed name in an email) are legally valid in the US, UK, EU, Australia, India, and most other countries.

A clause that prevents the client from hiring your employees or subcontractors directly, bypassing you, for a specified period (typically 12–24 months). Include it if you use subcontractors.

Templix AI offers a professionally drafted, customizable freelance contract template — download as PDF or Word, no sign-up required.