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 — or try it free with 3 credits, 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 | 3 credits (one-time) | $0.00 | | 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)
Start with the free plan if you're unsure. The 3 free credits let you create real contracts — not watered-down demos — so you can evaluate the quality before spending anything.
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? Free plan credits 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? No trial needed — every account gets 3 free credits immediately, no credit card required.
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, get 3 free credits, and create your first contract in minutes.
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.