independent contractor agreement template

The Ultimate Independent Contractor Agreement
— For Independent Contractors and Freelancers

A lawyer-drafted contract to protect your time, income, and creative work — on your terms, wherever you work.

Clients don’t always play by the rules — and without a solid contract, that means missed payments, blurred boundaries, and last-minute “can you just…” requests.

This Independent Contractor Agreement puts you back in charge — on your terms.

It spells out exactly what’s in (and out) of scope, how and when you get paid, and what your client’s responsibilities are — so you can focus on doing the work, not playing project manager.

✅ Whether you're a graphic designer, video editor, copywriter, developer, data analyst, or virtual assistant — this contract protects your time, boundaries, scope, & paycheck.

No jargon. No fluff. Just a lawyer-crafted contract that you can actually rely on — from wherever you work, with clients anywhere in the world.

For just $149

🔥 Why You’ll Love This Independent Contractor Agreement 🔥

Whether you’re designing, writing, editing, coding, or consulting — this contract helps you protect your scope, your time, and your paycheck.

🛠️ Customizable for Any Freelance Role
Use it for design, development, content, strategy, admin support — or any service you offer as an independent contractor.

🧾 Keeps Scope Creep in Check
Covers what’s included and what’s not — so you can charge extra for extra work, without awkward client convos.

💸 You Control the Payment Terms
Choose hourly or fixed pricing, require deposits, and withhold deliverables until payment is made — all legally covered.

📆 Your Schedule = Your Rules
Set your availability and working hours clearly in the contract — no more late-night Slack pings or weekend “urgent” requests.

Independent contractor agreement template word

Freelancing = Freedom. This Template Makes Sure of It.
Get the clarity and legal protection you need — so you can focus on your work, not chasing payments.

📄 Want to See What It Looks Like Inside?

Want to make sure it’s what you need before you commit? Take a quick peek inside.

This short sample shows exactly what the Independent Contractor Agreement Template looks like in action — so you know what you're getting, no surprises.

(No opt-in. No fluff. Just a transparent preview so you can buy with confidence.)

Independent contractor agreement template pdf

✅ Ready to Lock It In?
Everything you need to protect your freelance business is already waiting inside.

How to Use Your Independent Contractor Agreement

  • Free Contractor Agreement template Word

    Download Instantly

    Right after purchase, you’ll receive a permanent download link with access to the latest version of the template and instructions — no expiration, no stress.

  • Simple independent Contractor Agreement template free

    Follow the Step-by-Step Guide

    You’ll get clear instructions to help you determine the scope & choose the right clauses for your specific business & client.
    No guesswork, no confusing blanks — everything is explained in plain English.

  • independent contractor contract

    Sign + Send With Confidence

    Once customized, you're ready to sign the agreement and send it to the client. It’s written in clear language that clients can actually understand — and sign quickly.

What Others Are Saying About This Independent Contract Agreement Template

Here’s what independent contractors & freelancers are saying about this Terms and Conditions for Online Courses Template:

“Super easy to customize. It’s saved me so much hassle and helped me look way more professional.”

— Amaya, Data Analyst (Freelancer)

“I work with international clients and needed something flexible but legit. This agreement gives me all the protection.”

— Dani, Freelance Copywriter

This contract is exactly what I needed. I LOVE that this template also lets you specify what it OUT of scope!”

— Melinda, Freelance Marketeer

✅ What Makes This Template So Effective

This isn’t just a basic service agreement. It’s a freelancer-first contract designed to protect your business from the client mistakes, scope creep, and payment issues that trip most people up.

🔒 You Choose What IP to Keep or Assign
Includes optional clauses so you decide whether the client owns the work — or you retain rights and grant a license.

⚖️ Covers Liability, Results & Misuse
You won’t be blamed for how clients use (or misuse) your work — and you’re not guaranteeing outcomes.

✍️ Protects Your Independent Status
Makes it clear you’re not an employee — helping you avoid tax issues, misclassification, or unfair control.

🌍 Works for Local & International Clients
Includes language for remote or cross-border projects — so your contract holds up no matter where your client is.

📝 Edit in Minutes — No Legal Background Required
You’ll get a .docx file with plain-English instructions and all the flexibility you need to tailor it to your business.

Affiliate terms and conditions template

Who This Independent Contractor Agreement Is(n’t) For

✅ It’s for you if you’re an independent contractor or freelancer who wants legal clarity, stronger boundaries, and payments that actually land on time — no matter where you (or your clients) are based.

🚫 It’s not for you if:

  • You’re hiring a contractor or freelancer
    👉 Use this client-friendly Independent Contractor Agreement instead

  • You’re not really an independent contractor, but an employee

🔍 Not sure which one fits your business? Get in touch and I’ll help you choose the right template.

Benefits of All Templates

FAQ

  • After purchasing a template, you'll receive a download link on the order confirmation page and via email. This link contains a file with a permanent link to access your template.

    The permanent link gives you access to the most up-to-date version. You’ll also be notified of any major updates.

    Be sure to save the link for future use so that you’ll always have access to future updates!

  • Absolutely! My contract templates are designed for global use, regardless of your location.

    As a contract lawyer registered with The Netherlands Bar and with extensive experience in cross-border transactions, I have crafted these templates to accommodate legal systems worldwide.

    The templates have been reviewed by licensed lawyers in France, the UK, Florida, and New York, ensuring their enforceability across different jurisdictions, including common law countries like the US and UK, civil law countries like those in the EU, and pluralist systems like Canada.

    Please note that while these contracts offer a cost-effective solution to hiring a lawyer for a tailor-made contract, they're not a substitute for personalised legal advice. These templates serve as an accessible starting point, saving you thousands of dollars that would typically be spent on bespoke contract drafting.

  • Yes! When you agree to my terms & conditions at purchase, you automatically receive lifetime access to updates for your contract.

    Every time I make a major update, you will be notified by email.

    The latest version will always be available through the link provided at purchase, ensuring your contract remains current.

  • These contract templates are not simple two-pagers but detailed and comprehensive contracts meticulously crafted to encompass all necessary protections and considerations relevant to your business.

    I prioritise thoroughness and clarity, yet my contracts are also designed with user-friendliness in mind.

    Each contract comes with helpful comments and guidance to assist you through the drafting process.

    So, while my contracts may not be condensed into a couple of pages, they offer thoroughness without sacrificing usability. With my guidance, you can confidently navigate the complexities of contracts and ensure that your business interests are well-protected.

  • The purchase of a contract does not create an attorney-client relationship.

    Although Selene Snippe has created these contracts and is a lawyer by profession, Selene Snippe is not YOUR lawyer. As this Website is NOT a law firm, purchasing or downloading a contract does not establish any kind of attorney-client relationship.

    An attorney-client relationship between you and Selene Snippe and/or Selene the Lawyer is only formed after you and Selene the Lawyer have entered into an engagement letter for specific legal services.

  • By purchasing a contract you are not entitled to email communication, calls, (virtual or physical) meetings, or any other type of communication with Selene the Lawyer and/or Selene Snippe.

    These reusable contracts do not include access to Selene the Lawyer and/or Selene Snippe or any legal advice or feedback, and these contracts are priced accordingly.

  • The contracts offered on this website are non-refundable.

    Please carefully review the details and descriptions of each contract before purchasing to ensure it fits your needs.

  • Yes! I offer an affiliate program that allows you to earn a 40% commission on any contract sales made through your unique affiliate link.

    If you're interested in becoming an affiliate, simply sign up on this page.

  • Not sure which contract you need? Please contact me at info@selenethelawyer.com, and I can help you find the contract that’s right for you.

  • I've got you covered! You can hire me to draft a personalised contract tailored to your unique needs at affordable rates.

    Find out more about my contract services on this page.