Every freelance contract needs 10 clauses: scope, deliverables, timeline, payment terms (deposit + milestones), IP ownership, kill fee, revisions limit, late fee, termination clause, and indemnification. A signed contract converts most disputes into clear references. This guide walks through each clause with template language and explains the format, signing options, and common mistakes.
Yes — especially for small projects. The mental model that 'small projects don't need contracts' is exactly why small projects produce most disputes.
It can be. An email exchange that contains an offer, clear acceptance, and consideration creates a legally binding contract.
Default rules vary by jurisdiction. In the US, the freelancer (creator) generally owns the IP unless explicitly assigned.
Yes — most freelancers use a master service agreement (MSA) plus per-project statements of work (SOW).
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