Protect yourself with contracts

Written agreements prevent misunderstandings and help you get paid.

• Use a written contract or signed proposal for every client job: scope, price, timeline and payment terms.
• Have an attorney create or review your main templates once. Reuse them.
• Sign contracts as the LLC (for example, "Jane Smith, Member, Smith Services LLC"), not in your personal name.

This playbook is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change, so confirm details with a licensed professional. Last reviewed September 2026.