A contract template
for Microsoft Word.

Word is still the standard for negotiating contracts because of Track Changes and comments: both sides can see exactly what was proposed and agreed. Use this .docx as your starting point, negotiate in Word, then sign the final version as a PDF or through e-signature. Clause-by-clause guidance is on the contract template page.

1. Download the Word (.docx) file and select Enable Editing if prompted.
2. Fill in the parties, effective date and services; search for “[” to find every placeholder.
3. Delete clauses that don’t apply and renumber headings if needed.
4. Before sending, turn on Review → Track Changes so every later edit is visible.
5. Send it to the client as a .docx for review; ask them to keep Track Changes on and add comments with Review → New Comment.
6. Review their changes with Review → Accept / Reject, and resolve comments.
7. When agreed, accept all changes, turn Track Changes off and save a clean final version.
8. Export the final version as a PDF (File → Save As → PDF) for signature, or upload it to your e-signature tool.

• Name versions clearly, e.g. “Fernhill services agreement v3 (client comments).docx”, and never overwrite the last version you sent.
• Compare versions with Review → Compare if the other side sends a file without tracked changes.
• Use the Navigation Pane (View → Navigation Pane) to jump between clauses in longer agreements.
• Check for hidden comments and tracked changes before sending a ‘final’ copy: File → Info → Check for Issues → Inspect Document.
• Sign the PDF, not the .docx, so the signed version can’t be edited.

Parties

• Service provider: [Business name, address, email] (“the freelancer”)
• Client: [Business name, address, email] (“the Client”)
• Effective date: [Date]

1. Services

The provider will deliver the freelance services described below, or in a statement of work signed by both parties.

• [The agreed project deliverables]
• [Source files on final payment]

2. Not included

• [Work not listed in the agreement]
• [Third-party costs unless listed]

3. Client responsibilities

• [Information and materials by agreed dates]
• [Timely feedback]

If the Client’s inputs are late, delivery dates move by the same amount of time.

4. Fees and payment

• Fee: [Amount and basis — fixed, hourly, day rate or monthly]
• Deposit: [e.g. 30% before work starts]
• Payment terms: [e.g. invoices due within 14 days]
• Expenses: [Charged at cost with prior approval / included]
• Late payment: [Interest or right to pause work, as allowed by law]

5. Changes to the scope

Either party can request changes in writing. The provider will confirm the effect on fees and timeline before starting any change.

6. Independent contractor

The freelancer works as an independent business, controls how the work is done, provides their own equipment and is responsible for their own taxes.

7. Late payment

Invoices are due within 14 days. The freelancer may pause work on overdue accounts and charge late payment interest where the law allows.

8. Confidentiality

Each party keeps the other’s confidential information private and uses it only to perform this agreement, during the agreement and for [2] years after it ends.

9. Liability

[Limit each party’s total liability, e.g. to the fees paid under this agreement in the previous 12 months, and exclude indirect losses, to the extent the law allows. Have a lawyer draft this clause for your jurisdiction.]

10. Term and termination

• This agreement starts on the effective date and continues until the services are complete, unless ended earlier.
• Either party may end it with [14] days’ written notice.
• Either party may end it immediately if the other materially breaches it and doesn’t fix the breach within [10] days of notice.
• On termination, the Client pays for work done up to the termination date.

11. Independent contractor

The provider is an independent business, not an employee, and is responsible for their own taxes and insurance.

General

• Entire agreement: this agreement (and any statements of work under it) is the whole agreement between the parties on its subject.
• Changes: changes to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
• Notices: notices are sent to the email addresses above, or as updated in writing.
• Governing law: this agreement is governed by the laws of [jurisdiction], and the courts of [jurisdiction] have jurisdiction.

Signatures

How the main clauses read once filled in for a event website and email templates. Both companies are fictional.

Parties and dates

• Provider: Sam Okafor
• Client: Riverbend Events
• Effective date: 1 March

Services

• The agreed project deliverables
• Source files on final payment

Not included

• Work not listed in the agreement
• Third-party costs unless listed

Fees and payment

• Fee: $2,309.00 excluding tax, as itemised in the proposal
• Deposit: $693.00 (30%) before work starts
• Payment terms: Invoices due within 14 days
• Notice: 14 days’ written notice by either party

Independent contractor

The freelancer works as an independent business, controls how the work is done, provides their own equipment and is responsible for their own taxes.

Late payment

Invoices are due within 14 days. The freelancer may pause work on overdue accounts and charge late payment interest where the law allows.

The main client services contract page has the full guide and every download.