Freelance contract clause library

Deposit clause

A non-refundable deposit clause for freelancers: how much, when it's due, and what it secures. Copy the wording and variants by trade.

Late payment clause

A late payment clause with interest, a pause-work right and collection costs. Wording freelancers can paste into any contract.

Net 30 payment terms clause

Net 30 (or Net 14 / Net 7) payment terms wording for freelancers, with invoice timing and what happens after the due date.

Kill fee clause

A kill fee clause for writers, designers and creatives: what the client pays if they cancel a project midway. Copyable wording and variants.

Milestone payment clause

A milestone payment schedule clause: deposit, payments tied to deliverables, and when each is due. For larger freelance projects.

Payment terms clause

A complete freelance payment terms clause: fee, deposit, invoicing, due dates, methods and currency in one paragraph.

Expenses reimbursement clause

An expenses clause for freelancers: which costs the client reimburses, approval thresholds and how they're invoiced.

Rush fee clause

A rush fee clause for freelancers: the surcharge for tight deadlines, weekend work and last-minute changes.

Retainer clause

A monthly retainer clause: fee in advance, included hours, rollover of unused hours, overage rate and notice period.

Refund policy clause

A refund policy clause for freelance services: what's refundable, when, and how refunds are calculated.

Scope of work clause

A scope of work clause that lists deliverables and exclusions, the foundation that stops scope creep before it starts.

Scope creep (change request) clause

A change request clause that stops scope creep: extra work is quoted, approved in writing and scheduled before it starts.

Revisions clause

A revisions clause that caps revision rounds, defines what counts as a revision, and prices extra rounds.

Acceptance clause

An acceptance clause with a review period and deemed acceptance, so a project can't stay 'almost done' forever.

Client delays clause

A client delays clause: what happens to deadlines and payments when the client is late with feedback, content or access.

Timeline and deadlines clause

A project timeline clause: start date, key dates, what triggers the start, and how deadlines move.

Deliverables and file formats clause

A deliverables clause that specifies formats, delivery method and what files the client receives.

Cancellation clause

A cancellation clause for freelance projects and bookings: notice, fees by stage, and rescheduling.

Intellectual property transfer clause

An IP transfer clause that assigns rights to the client only after full payment, while the freelancer keeps their tools and know-how.

Portfolio rights clause

A portfolio clause that lets freelancers show client work in their portfolio and case studies, with a confidentiality carve-out.

Usage license clause

A license clause for freelancers who keep copyright and license usage: scope, media, territory, duration and fees for extra use.

Work for hire clause

A work-made-for-hire clause with a backup assignment and payment condition, and when freelancers should push back on it.

Source files clause

A source files clause: whether editable files are included, the fee if not, and how they're delivered.

Third-party assets clause

A clause covering stock photos, fonts, plugins and open-source code used in client work: licensing and who pays.

Termination clause

A termination clause for freelance contracts: ending for convenience or breach, notice periods and payment for work done.

Limitation of liability clause

A limitation of liability clause for freelancers: cap at fees paid, exclusion of indirect losses, and carve-outs.

Indemnification clause

A mutual indemnification clause for freelance contracts, limited to each party's own breach and content.

Confidentiality clause

A mutual confidentiality clause for freelance agreements: what's covered, exceptions, and how long it lasts.

Non-solicitation clause

A non-solicitation clause that stops clients hiring your team or subcontractors directly, with a placement fee alternative.

Non-compete clause

A narrow non-compete clause freelancers can live with: named competitors only, short duration, paid exclusivity.

Force majeure clause

A force majeure clause for freelance and event contracts: events outside your control, suspension, and termination.

Dispute resolution clause

A dispute resolution clause: good-faith negotiation first, then mediation, then small claims or court.

Governing law clause

A governing law and jurisdiction clause: which country's or state's law applies, and where disputes are heard.

Independent contractor clause

An independent contractor status clause: no employment, own tools and hours, own taxes and insurance.

Warranty and disclaimer clause

A warranty clause: what the freelancer promises (professional work, originality) and what they disclaim (results).

Entire agreement clause

An entire agreement clause: the signed contract replaces earlier emails, calls and proposals; changes must be in writing.

Severability clause

A severability clause: if one part of the contract is unenforceable, the rest still applies.

Electronic signature clause

An electronic signature clause confirming the contract can be signed online and in counterparts, with the same effect as ink.

Communication and availability clause

A communication clause: business hours, response times, channels and meetings, so clients know when to expect you.

Subcontracting clause

A subcontracting clause: when a freelancer can use subcontractors, confidentiality flow-down, and who stays responsible.