Free freelance contract template
Protect scope, cash flow, and ownership before you start billable work. This agreement separates freelancer status, deliverables, and IP assignment from open-ended client terms.
Free download
Download template (.txt)Plain text — open in Word, Google Docs, or any editor. Not legal advice.
What's in this template
- Statement of work and change-order rule
- Fees, invoicing, and payment terms
- Independent contractor (not employee) clause
- IP assignment after payment
- Confidentiality and liability cap
- Termination and optional non-solicit
Freelancers leave money on the table when…
Scope creeps without a change order. Payment terms stretch past 45 days with no late interest. IP transfers on first draft, not on final payment. Kill fees and acceptance criteria are missing.
This template makes those points explicit. Paste a client's paper into NegotiQ to see what's missing versus market practice.
IP and payment: negotiate as one package
Clients often want work-for-hire at signature while paying Net 60. Tie assignment to cleared funds and define pre-existing tools you keep. That single linkage is one of the highest-value freelance negotiations.
Before you sign a client contract
- Deliverables and milestones are listed, not vague
- Out-of-scope work requires written approval and rate
- Payment deadline and late fees are specified
- IP transfers only after payment in full
- Liability is capped; no unlimited indemnity
- You can subcontract admin tasks or need consent
These templates are starting points for information only. They do not constitute legal advice. Always have a qualified lawyer review before signing.
Received a real offer or contract? Paste it into NegotiQ for red flags and a counter-offer script.
Analyse my contract free