Contract Review Checklist

Are the legal entity names correct on both sides?

Match the exact registered name (Inc., LLC, Ltd.). Signing as yourself instead of your company pierces the liability shield.

Does the signer have authority to bind the company?

Officer, director, or someone with a written delegation. Otherwise the contract can be void.

Is the effective date and term length clear?

Fixed end date, or auto-renew with a stated notice window (usually 30–60 days).

Are deliverables listed specifically?

'Website' is not a deliverable. 'A 10-page WordPress site with these features by X date' is.

Is 'out of scope' defined?

Change requests should trigger a written change order and a new fee — not free work.

Are acceptance criteria written down?

How will you know it's done? Silence-equals-acceptance clauses (e.g. 7 days) protect you from endless revisions.

Is the fee and payment schedule clear?

Milestones tied to deliverables beat 'on completion'. Deposit up front reduces risk.

What are the payment terms (Net 15/30/60)?

Net 30 is standard. Net 60+ is a cash-flow trap. Never accept 'pay when paid'.

Is there a late-payment fee?

1.5% per month or the legal maximum. Without it, late-paying clients have zero incentive to pay.

Who owns the work after payment?

You should retain IP until final payment. Assignment on payment, not on delivery.

Can you use the work in your portfolio?

Add explicit portfolio rights, or an NDA blocks you from showing work you did.

Is your pre-existing IP protected?

Templates, tools, and prior work you bring in stay yours. State it in writing.

Is liability capped?

Cap should equal fees paid in the last 6–12 months. Unlimited liability is a deal-breaker.

Is indemnification mutual?

One-sided indemnification (only you cover them) is unfair. Both sides indemnify for their own negligence.

How can either side terminate?

Termination for convenience with 30-day notice + payment for work done. Termination for cause requires written notice and a cure period.