Standard legal contracts are written by lawyers for lawyers. They're dense, intimidating, and often cause clients to hesitate or request changes that delay the project start. This freelance contract uses plain English that both you and your client can read and understand in 5 minutes — without a law degree.
Clients sign plain-English contracts faster because they understand what they're agreeing to. Less back-and-forth with their lawyer. Less friction at the start of a project. The core protections are the same as a formal legal contract — the language is just clearer.
| Project Size | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000 | 100% upfront or 50% deposit + 50% on delivery |
| $1,000–$5,000 | 50% deposit + 50% on delivery |
| $5,000–$20,000 | 33% deposit + 33% at midpoint + 33% on delivery |
| Over $20,000 | Monthly milestones tied to deliverable completion |
Designers, developers, writers, photographers, videographers, marketers, consultants, and any professional who takes on project-based client work. Works for both recurring client relationships and one-time projects.