Free template
Freelance contract template
Most unpaid scope creep starts with a vague contract. This template fixes that with two clauses most freelancers skip: a written scope baseline (every work item, price and deadline listed up front) and a change-order clause (anything new becomes a signed, priced addendum before work starts). Copy it, fill in the brackets, and adapt it to your business — and have a lawyer review it before you rely on it.
Independent services agreement
1. Parties and project
This agreement is between [Provider name] (“Provider”) and [Client name] (“Client”) for the project described below, starting on [start date].
2. Scope baseline
Provider will deliver only the work items listed in the attached scope list, each with its own price and due date. The total contract value is [$ amount] and the final deadline is [date]. Anything not listed is out of scope. This baseline is the reference point for every future change.
3. Rates
Work beyond the scope baseline is billed at [$ rate] per hour, or at a fixed price agreed in writing before the work begins.
4. Change orders
If Client requests work outside the scope baseline, Provider will send a written change order describing the new work, its cost and its effect on the deadline. The change order becomes part of this contract only when Client approves and signs it. Provider is not obligated to start changed work before approval.
5. Payment
Provider will invoice according to the milestone schedule in the scope list. Invoices are due within [14] days of receipt. Approved change orders are invoiced on approval or with the next milestone, as stated in the change order.
6. Revisions
Each deliverable includes [two] rounds of revisions. Further revision rounds are treated as change orders under section 4.
7. Cancellation
Either party may end this agreement with [14] days written notice. Client pays for all work completed and expenses incurred up to the cancellation date.
8. Signatures
Provider: ______________ Date: ______ Client: ______________ Date: ______
The contract is signed. Then the changes start.
A change-order clause only protects you if every request actually becomes a written, priced, signed addendum. That's the part freelancers skip when it means drafting another document mid-project. Greenlit does it for you: your scope baseline lives in the project, each client request becomes a change order with the cost and deadline impact calculated automatically, and your client reviews, e-signs and pays from a private link.
- Baseline your scope items, budget and deadline once
- Turn change requests into priced change orders in seconds
- Clients e-sign and pay by card from their own portal — no account needed
This template is general information, not legal advice. Have a qualified lawyer review any contract before you use it.