Quick Answer: A single contract from a lawyer typically costs $200–$1,500+, depending on complexity. Online legal services charge $39–$99 per document. With Contract.DIY, professional contracts start at $0.33 each on the Pro plan — sign up free, no credit card required. See pricing →
If you've ever Googled "how much does an NDA cost?" or "lawyer fees for a contract," you already know the answer is frustrating: it depends. Let's break down what contracts actually cost in 2026, and how to get professional-quality legal documents without overpaying.
The Real Cost of Legal Contracts
Hiring a Lawyer
For a straightforward contract like an NDA or freelance agreement, expect to pay:
| Contract Type | Typical Lawyer Fee |
| -------------------------------------------- | ------------------ |
| Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) | $200–$600 |
| Freelance / Independent Contractor Agreement | $300–$800 |
| Service Agreement | $400–$1,000 |
| Residential Lease Agreement | $300–$700 |
| Custom / Complex Contract | $500–$1,500+ |
These fees scale quickly. A small business that needs five contracts per quarter could spend $2,000–$5,000/year on routine legal documents alone — before any revisions or negotiations.
When a lawyer makes sense: Complex deals, high-value transactions, regulatory compliance, or disputes. If the contract is worth $100,000+, spending $1,000 on legal review is a reasonable investment.
Online Legal Services
Services like LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer brought legal documents online, but their pricing often surprises people:
- LegalZoom: $39–$99+ per document, plus upsells for "attorney review" at $199+
- Rocket Lawyer: $39.99/month membership required, plus per-document fees for premium templates
- Other template marketplaces: $15–$50 per template, but typically one-size-fits-all with no customization
The per-document model adds up fast, especially if you need multiple contract types or revisions.
How Contract.DIY Pricing Works
Contract.DIY uses a credit-based model. One credit = one finalized contract. You only spend a credit when you export your finished document as PDF — browsing templates, drafting, editing, and reviewing are always free.
Plans at a Glance
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Credits | Cost per Contract |
| ----------- | ------------ | ------------ | ----------------- |
| Free | $0 | Sign up free | — |
| Starter | $9/mo | 25/month | ~$0.36 |
| Pro | $29/mo | 100/month | ~$0.29 |
You can also buy one-time credit packs without a subscription:
| Pack | Price | Per Credit |
| ----------- | ------ | ---------- |
| 5 Credits | $4.99 | $1.00 |
| 15 Credits | $9.99 | $0.67 |
| 50 Credits | $24.99 | $0.50 |
| 150 Credits | $49.99 | $0.33 |
Every plan includes all contract types — NDA, Freelance, Lease, Service Agreement, and Custom — plus PDF export.
One-Time Credits vs Subscription: Which Is Right for You?
Choose one-time credits if:
- You need contracts occasionally (a few per year)
- You want to try the platform beyond the free tier without committing monthly
- You have a one-time project with a known number of contracts
Choose a subscription if:
- You create contracts regularly (monthly or more)
- You run a business that onboards clients, hires contractors, or signs leases frequently
- You want the lowest per-contract cost ($0.29–$0.36 vs $0.33–$1.00)
Sign up free if you're unsure. Draft and preview real contracts — not watered-down demos — before purchasing credits to finalize and export.
How Does This Compare?
Here's what a single NDA costs across platforms:
| Platform | Cost for 1 NDA |
| ------------------------------ | ---------------- |
| Lawyer | $200–$600 |
| LegalZoom | $39–$99 |
| Rocket Lawyer | $39.99/mo + fees |
| Contract.DIY (Starter plan) | ~$0.36 |
| Contract.DIY (150-credit pack) | ~$0.33 |
That's a 99.8% cost reduction compared to hiring a lawyer for a standard NDA. The contracts are jurisdiction-aware, professionally structured with proper governing law clauses, signature blocks, and confidentiality provisions.
What's Included in Every Contract
Regardless of which plan you choose, every contract on Contract.DIY includes:
- Jurisdiction-specific language — contracts are tailored to your selected state or country
- Standard legal clauses — notices, governing law, dispute resolution, signature blocks
- Professional formatting — export as PDF, ready to sign
- Unlimited editing — revise your draft as many times as needed before finalizing (no extra cost)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a credit used?
Only when you finalize and export a contract. Drafting, editing, and previewing are free.
Do credits expire?
Credits from one-time packages never expire. Subscription credits reset each billing cycle.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. No lock-in contracts (ironic, we know). Changes take effect at the next billing cycle.
Is there a free trial?
Signing up is free and requires no credit card. Purchase credits when you are ready to finalize and export.
Related: NDA FAQ · Freelance Contract FAQ · Service Agreement FAQ
Get Started for Free
The best way to evaluate contract pricing is to try it. Sign up free and create your first contract in minutes.
Related Reading
See pricing plans → · Create a contract →
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Ready to create your contract?
Sign up free, no credit card required. Your first contract is on us.
No credit card required · Your first contract is free