Freelance Contract Checklist: Protect Yourself Before You Sign

A solid freelance contract checklist is the difference between getting paid on time and chasing invoices for months. Whether you are a designer, developer, writer, or consultant, every freelance project needs a clear contract. This guide covers exactly what to look for and what to include so you can focus on the work instead of worrying about getting burned.

Why Freelancers Need Contracts

Too many freelancers work on handshake deals or vague email agreements. When things go well, it is fine. When they do not, you have no protection. A written contract sets expectations, prevents misunderstandings, and gives you legal recourse if a client refuses to pay or changes the scope of work without adjusting compensation.

1. Scope of Work

This is the most important section of any freelance contract. The scope of work should describe exactly what you will deliver, in what format, and by when. Be as specific as possible. Instead of "website design," write "design of a 5-page marketing website including homepage, about, services, blog, and contact pages, delivered as Figma files."

A well-defined scope protects you from scope creep, which is when a client keeps adding work beyond what was originally agreed. If it is not in the scope, it is a separate project with separate pricing.

2. Payment Terms

Your contract should clearly state: the total project fee or hourly rate, when payment is due, how payment will be made, and what happens if the client pays late. Common structures include:

50% upfront and 50% on delivery. Milestone-based payments tied to specific deliverables. Net 15 or Net 30 payment terms with late fees. For larger projects, requiring a deposit before work begins is standard and reasonable. Never start significant work without at least partial payment secured.

Include a late payment clause with specific penalties. Something like "invoices unpaid after 30 days will incur a 1.5% monthly late fee" creates a real incentive for clients to pay on time.

3. Revision Limits

Without a revision clause, clients can request unlimited changes, turning a simple project into an endless loop. Specify how many rounds of revisions are included in the project price (two to three is standard) and what additional revisions will cost. This is not about being difficult. It is about valuing your time appropriately.

4. Intellectual Property Rights

Who owns the final work? This needs to be crystal clear. Common arrangements include: full transfer of IP to the client upon final payment, a license for the client to use the work while you retain ownership, or shared rights. Most clients expect full ownership, but the key detail is timing. IP should transfer only after full payment is received, not before.

Also consider whether you want to retain the right to display the work in your portfolio. Many freelancers include a portfolio rights clause that allows them to showcase the project even after transferring ownership.

5. Kill Fee and Termination

What happens if the client cancels the project halfway through? Without a kill fee clause, you could lose weeks of work with no compensation. A standard kill fee covers payment for all work completed plus a percentage (typically 25% to 50%) of the remaining project value.

Your termination clause should also address how either party can end the contract, what notice is required, and how final deliverables and payments will be handled.

6. Liability and Indemnification

Some client contracts include broad indemnification clauses that make you liable for any damages resulting from your work, even if the client modified it after delivery. Limit your liability to the amount you were paid for the project. Avoid agreeing to indemnify the client for "any and all claims" without reasonable limits.

7. Confidentiality

A mutual confidentiality clause protects both parties. Make sure it is genuinely mutual and not one-sided. Also check the duration. Being bound to secrecy for two years about a blog post project is excessive. Match the confidentiality period to the sensitivity of the information involved.

8. Timeline and Delays

Specify deadlines for both your deliverables and the client's feedback. Many projects stall because the client takes weeks to review work. Include a clause stating that delays caused by the client will extend your deadlines accordingly and may incur additional charges if the project is paused for an extended period.

Review Every Contract, Every Time

Even if you use a standard template, client contracts often contain their own terms that override yours. Always review the full agreement before signing. If a client sends you their contract, do not assume it is fair just because it looks professional.

Fine Print Fighters makes it easy to scan any freelance contract for red flags, missing protections, and one-sided terms. See our pricing for options that fit freelancer budgets.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.