{"id":4466,"date":"2024-12-13T13:00:54","date_gmt":"2024-12-13T12:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/?p=4466"},"modified":"2025-07-24T13:27:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T11:27:08","slug":"freelance-contracts-101-essential-clauses-in-every-freelance-agreement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelance-contracts\/","title":{"rendered":"Freelance contracts 101: Essential clauses in every freelance agreement + Template"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelance-contracts\/#Freelance_contract_template\" >Freelance contract template<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelance-contracts\/#What_is_a_freelancer_contract\" >What is a freelancer contract?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelance-contracts\/#How_to_write_a_freelancer_contract\" >How to write a freelancer contract\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelance-contracts\/#Key_components_of_a_freelancer_agreement\" >Key components of a freelancer agreement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelance-contracts\/#Optional_components_of_a_freelance_contract\" >Optional components of a freelance contract<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/freelance-contracts\/#When_you_dont_need_to_sign_a_freelance_contract\" >When you don\u2019t need to sign a freelance contract<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good freelance contract is essential to clearly define the rights and responsibilities of both the freelancer and the client. Whether you&#8217;re an independent contractor or a client hiring independent professionals, understanding the key clauses of a solid contract is a must.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Luckily, we\u2019ve supported freelancers and their clients for over a decade and know the best practices in drafting a simple but effective freelance contract. Follow our advice to create your own document, or download our free freelance contract template with blanks to fill in yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Fill in the form to download the freelance contract template<\/h3>\n<p><script charset=\"utf-8\" type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/\/js-eu1.hsforms.net\/forms\/embed\/v2.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<script>\n  hbspt.forms.create({\n    portalId: \"27198211\",\n    formId: \"0827b34b-6d97-41d3-9b96-03f5670eed0c\"\n  });\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Freelance_contract_template\"><\/span><b>Freelance contract template<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more specific and scrupulous you are while drafting and negotiating the agreement, the more chances you have to avoid misunderstandings and disputes in the future. A <\/span><b>well-drafted contract sets a solid foundation, ensures transparency, and helps foster a rewarding working relationship<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But writing a contract from scratch can be daunting, especially if you\u2019re not familiar with legal terms and concepts. However, you can find a free freelance contract template available online that you can use as a starting point. You can also start with a freelance contract sample as an inspiration and go from there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Considering all the tips listed later in this article, we\u2019ve created an example of a contract for a service. You can download, fill out, and, or adjust it to your needs every time you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-manage-freelancers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">enter into an agreement with a new client or freelancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on your position.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember it\u2019s a template so it\u2019s universal to some extent, but it may need adjustments with every job you undertake. <\/span><b>Contracts should reflect the unique needs of each project<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A generic contract might not address specific aspects of your industry.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take the time to tailor your contract to the project at hand. For example, a sample freelance contract for design jobs might include clauses about revisions and file formats. A freelance agreement template for writing projects should include details regarding content ownership and plagiarism. By personalizing the contract, you ensure that it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/cybersecurity-tips-for-freelancers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">protects your interests<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_freelancer_contract\"><\/span><b>What is a freelancer contract?\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s start with the basics. What is a freelance contact? It\u2019s a <\/span><b>legally binding agreement between an independent worker and their client<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that outlines the terms and conditions of the work arrangement. Contracts for freelancers should have an electronic or written form to ensure that you\u2019re on the same page. If you choose the electronic contract, keep in mind that there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/all-you-need-to-know-about-laws-and-regulations-about-freelancers-contractors-and-independent-workers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">country-specific rules<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regarding electronic signatures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of the form, the contract should establish fair, equal, and clear rights and obligations regarding:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">scope of work,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/a-complete-guide-to-paying-freelancers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">payment terms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">confidentiality,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/inteljectual-property-rights\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">intellectual property<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and ownership,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">termination,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">liability and indemnification,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dispute resolution and governing law,<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and other matters.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drafting a contract is not the only possible solution for managing freelance collaborations. Instead of handling paperwork and navigating international laws on their own, both freelancers and clients can rely on platforms like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Useme<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to simplify formalities. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/good-practice-verything-you-need-to-know-about-useme\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Explore how it works<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to streamline your agreements, especially when working across borders.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_write_a_freelancer_contract\"><\/span><b>How to write a freelancer contract\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have three options, suitable both for a freelance worker and an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/hire-freelancers-payments-formalities-law\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">employer hiring freelancers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Download, customize, and fill out our freelance contract template.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use an intermediary platform like <a href=\"http:\/\/www.useme.com\">Useme<\/a> instead of a written contract.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Draft your own written agreement, using the clauses we describe below.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you decide on the third option, you may need to include specific clauses depending on the type of freelance work. However, there are a few essential ones that every freelancer should include. You&#8217;re in luck, we&#8217;ve got them right here. Welcome to contracts 101.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_components_of_a_freelancer_agreement\"><\/span><b>Key components of a freelancer agreement<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Contract parties<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the beginning of your freelance contract, you should state at least <\/span><b>both contract sides&#8217; full names and current addresses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For businesses, include the company name, address, and legal form (e.g., LLC). Clearly identifying all parties ensures the contract is valid and makes it easier to resolve disputes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Scope of work and duration<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The project scope should clearly define what should be done, including<\/span><b> the deliverables and key milestones<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This section is crucial because it defines exactly what an independent contractor is hired to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be as detailed and specific as possible to avoid scope creep (when extra work is requested beyond the original agreement.). For instance, if you&#8217;re designing a website, list the number of pages, the design revisions allowed, and any additional deliverables. Clear and precise terms benefit both freelancers and clients by ensuring they agree to the other side\u2019s expectations from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this section, you should also include the <\/span><b>timeline and deadlines<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for the project. State how long the contract will last \u2013 it can be time-based (like 1 year), project-based (until the work in the \u2018Scope of work\u2019 is done), or a mix of both. Include the start date, which may differ from the signing date but cannot be earlier than when all parties sign.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Payment terms<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This section of the freelance contract specifies the payment terms, including any late fees. Clearly state the agreed-upon rates, payment schedule, and payment method (e.g., bank transfer, PayPal, etc.). Mention any upfront deposits required, due dates, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/6-steps-to-make-sure-that-you-get-paid-as-a-freelancer,274\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fees for late payments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For larger projects, consider including milestones and partial payments as each milestone is completed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/pricing-101-how-to-set-your-freelance-rates\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">setting the price<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, clearly state whether it\u2019s a gross amount (before taxes) or net (after taxes). A freelance contract should also include a clause guaranteeing the freelancer\u2019s right to payment if the contract is terminated early before they finish work.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Confidentiality<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A confidentiality clause is meant to protect <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/all-you-need-to-know-about-laws-and-regulations-about-freelancers-contractors-and-independent-workers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">independent contractors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and their clients. The clause should clearly define what is \u201cconfidential information.\u201d The definition should mention the type and formats of information, as well as exclusions from confidential information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should also list the <\/span><b>types of confidential or sensitive information<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that may be included in the scope of the project&#8217;s work. When listing these types of information, it is recommended that we use the phrase \u201cincludes, but is not limited to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, it should state the consequences of breaching the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/non-disclosure-agreement-template\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">confidentiality clause<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A good practice is to customize the contract based on your industry&#8217;s particular needs. This will ensure that all vital aspects are covered and nothing is left to chance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Intellectual property and ownership<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It defines the ownership of the work, including the intellectual property rights that cover creative works, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/tips-for-mastering-your-personal-branding\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">branding<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, design, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clearly state <\/span><b>whether the freelance worker or the client will own the work after completion<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Will the freelancer retain <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/copyright-what-is-it\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ownership of the copyright<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or will the copyright be transferred to the client upon the final payment? In most jurisdictions, the transfer of copyright doesn\u2019t happen automatically and must be explicitly covered in the agreement (although there are some exceptions, such as a \u201cwork made for hire\u201d in the US when the copyright is transferred by default).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some jurisdictions (such as the EU), a freelancer can only transfer economic copyright to the work, while moral rights remain their property. Last but not least, in some jurisdictions, a contract including a copyright transfer clause must be in a written form to be valid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s particularly important for creatives like photographers, writers, and designers to protect their original work. The freelance contract should state if the client can use the work commercially and if <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-build-freelance-portfolio-from-scratch\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a freelancer can include it in their portfolio<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. But more about the portfolio clause later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Termination<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The termination clause should outline all the <\/span><b>conditions under which both the freelancer and the client can end the cooperation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It should specify the notice period and any fees or compensation for early termination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Liability clause<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, you enlist each party&#8217;s <\/span><b>responsibilities and liabilities in case of any disputes, damages, or legal claims<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The liability clause usually states what the freelancer can and cannot be held responsible for and therefore addresses scenarios such as errors, delays, or negligence. It\u2019s common that the clause specifies the maximum amount the freelancer could be liable for, which is often equal to the contract value itself.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also advisable to include the statement that the freelancer should not be liable for errors or delays in case of catastrophic events or when the client did not provide accurate and complete information and materials.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Indemnification clause<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The indemnification clause specifies<\/span><b> the parties&#8217; obligations in case of losses or damages <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">that usually happened because of something the other side did or failed to do. It often means one side has to cover, protect, and take responsibility for claims, damages, or losses, typically involving third parties.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Governing law<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This clause specifies the governing law and<\/span><b> jurisdiction for resolving disputes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In other words, it determines which country or state&#8217;s laws will be used to interpret and enforce the agreement. It&#8217;s especially important if you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/go-global-with-your-business\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">collaborate with a person from another country<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Dispute resolution<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with a well-written contract, disputes can sometimes arise. To avoid lengthy legal battles, it&#8217;s best to outline <\/span><b>a process for handling disagreements<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add a clause that specifies how disputes will be managed. We recommend seeking amicable forms of dispute resolution (such as negotiation or mediation) before escalating to legal actions such as arbitration or court litigation. If you decide to agree to arbitration, we also advise deciding on the arbitration venue and rules beforehand.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Optional_components_of_a_freelance_contract\"><\/span><b>Optional components of a freelance contract<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Revisions<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Include the <\/span><b>number of included revisions <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(if any), the process for requesting and accepting changes, and any additional fees or compensation connected with extra revisions or changes of scope. For freelancers, this clause is a must if they don\u2019t specify all the edits in the &#8216;Scope of work&#8217; section.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Non-compete clause<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A non-compete clause <\/span><b>prevents freelancers from working with competitors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or on similar projects. Make sure to specify the scope and duration of the non-compete agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Portfolio clause<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The portfolio clause in a freelance contract outlines the freelancer\u2019s right to showcase the work they have completed for the client as part of their professional portfolio.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A freelancer can ask for the client&#8217;s consent at a late stage (in a separate agreement) but you can also include this clause in the freelance agreement so that you avoid future misunderstandings or disputes. It should clearly outline all the specific types of uses of your work and describe them as much as you can.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Subcontracting clause<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes, if a self-employed worker works with multiple clients and their business is growing, they may want to delegate some work to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/who-is-a-subcontractor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">subcontractors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or other freelancers. This clause may be useful and advisable because the client can expect that the work will be carried out directly by the freelancer who signs the contract.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should contain all the<\/span><b> necessary information about the person filling in and their responsibilities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but in most cases, it\u2019s enough to write that the work may be delegated.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When outsourcing to subcontractors, it\u2019s best to enter into a separate agreement with them, because the freelancer usually takes full responsibility for their work before the client.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Severability\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A severability clause ensures that if one provision of the contract is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the rest of the agreement will still be valid and enforceable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Force majeure<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A force majeure clause protects both parties from liability if unforeseen and uncontrollable events prevent the fulfillment of contractual obligations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Contact details\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Include all the needed contact information, such as email addresses you\u2019ll use to discuss <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-create-proposal\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">project details<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and contract terms and the days\/hours of preferable contact in project-related matters. Be as specific as you can, especially with your designated days off.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Date and signature<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key elements for a contract to be binding are signatures (which can be electronic signatures) and the start date. The start date can be stated directly in the contract, and if it\u2019s not specified, it\u2019s usually the date the last signature was added to the document.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_you_dont_need_to_sign_a_freelance_contract\"><\/span><b>When you don\u2019t need to sign a freelance contract<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter if you use a freelance contract template or draft a new one from scratch for each assignment, it can be a time-consuming and sometimes stressful process. If that resonates with you, consider alternative measures to protect yourself and simplify your workflow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Platforms like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Useme<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> offer a practical solution by taking over the administrative side of freelancing and hiring freelancers. <\/span><b>With Useme, you don\u2019t need to draft individual contracts for every project \u2013 these are automatically integrated into the platform\u2019s system<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when you engage with a client\/independent contractor. Freelance contracts, including copyright transfer if needed, \u201chappen\u201d entirely online, without any paper documents \u2013 even for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/completed-guide-when-working-with-foreign-clients,250\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cross-border transactions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This not only saves time but also ensures that the legal and financial aspects of your freelance collaboration are handled professionally and securely. We ensure that all formal requirements are met every time you settle a deal through our platform.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/users\/create-account\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try it out<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and see for yourself!<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"hs-cta-embed hs-cta-simple-placeholder hs-cta-embed-93298418633\" style=\"max-width: 100%; max-height: 100%; width: 2112px; height: 330px;\" data-hubspot-wrapper-cta-id=\"93298418633\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-eu1.hubspot.com\/web-interactives\/public\/v1\/track\/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK10J2fMOwxYjFK9%2B%2BjbaGbGMUnfwi%2BvNvsn%2FW2zMrXH0wzlkmSlMt0ryEk8eYwP6vM1acTSfMOA1Kg58AR4nHYg3DlpG75AivneTQ9a%2BWgO4dsCqjt5xEocMQRqUd44U3Ndhnm766t9Q%2B0iwcWAw07LjL0gknhmKnlaQN5aDNPeN3%2FJUGs3P0KzN4G&amp;webInteractiveContentId=93298418633&amp;portalId=27198211\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"height: 100%; width: 100%; object-fit: fill;\" src=\"https:\/\/hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/cta\/default\/27198211\/interactive-93298418633.png\" alt=\"Settle deals with freelancers in a fast and easy way \" \/><br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your guide to contracts for freelance workers and their clients. Do you freelance or hire freelancers? Download our contract template or follow our tips and draft your own freelance agreement. Check what clauses you need to include to be protected!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":4468,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4466","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-freelancers","category-for-employers"],"modified_by":"\u017baneta","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/27"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4466"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4466\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5167,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4466\/revisions\/5167"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/useme.com\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}