The freelance contract checklist: 12 clauses that decide arguments

• 1

  Defined scope, by deliverable

  List what you are producing as concrete items, not outcomes. "5 page designs in Figma" is enforceable; "a great website" is not.
• 2

  Acceptance window

  Client has [7] days to accept or list changes in writing; after that the deliverable is deemed accepted. Without this, projects never formally end.
• 3

  Revision limit

  State the number of rounds included and the hourly rate beyond it. This single line prevents most scope creep.
• 4

  Payment schedule with a deposit

  Take [30–50]% up front. A client who won't pay a deposit will not pay the final invoice either.
• 5

  Late payment interest

  A stated rate — e.g. [1.5]% per month — gives your chaser letters teeth and is what you point at in court.
• 6

  Kill fee / termination

  If the client walks mid-project, you keep the deposit and are paid for work completed to date. Specify notice period.
• 7

  IP transfers only on payment

  Ownership passes when the invoice clears, not on delivery. This is your single strongest piece of leverage.
• 8

  Portfolio rights

  You may show the work in your portfolio unless the client has requested confidentiality in writing.
• 9

  Liability cap

  Cap your total liability at the fees paid under the contract. Uncapped liability on a $3k project is an unacceptable risk.
• 10

  Client responsibilities

  Assets, feedback and approvals due within [5] days; the timeline shifts day-for-day if they are late.
• 11

  Confidentiality, both ways

  Mutual, time-limited, with the usual carve-outs for information that is already public.
• 12

  Governing law and forum

  Your jurisdiction if you can get it. Arguing a $4,000 invoice in a court three time zones away is the same as losing.

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