Question 1

Are these contracts valid in all 50 states?

Accepted Answer

These contracts are built on US federal law, which applies nationwide. However, contract law is significantly shaped by state law — especially for employment, leases, non-competes, and independent contractor classification. We strongly recommend selecting your specific state for enhanced compliance. For example, California bans most non-competes, while New York has specific freelancer protections.

Question 2

Do NDAs include the required DTSA whistleblower notice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every NDA and confidentiality agreement automatically includes the Defend Trade Secrets Act (DTSA) whistleblower immunity notice required by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Without this notice, employers cannot recover exemplary damages or attorney's fees in a DTSA action.

Question 3

How do you handle employee vs. independent contractor classification?

Accepted Answer

Our contractor agreements are structured to align with the IRS three-factor test (behavioral control, financial control, relationship type) and reference the DOL Economic Reality test. We include specific language about contractor autonomy, tax responsibility (1099-NEC), and clearly establish non-employee status. However, some states use the stricter ABC test — select your state for state-specific guidance.

Question 4

Are electronic signatures legally valid for these contracts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the E-SIGN Act (15 U.S.C. § 7001) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA, adopted by 49 states plus DC), electronic signatures have the same legal force as handwritten signatures for most contracts. Our contracts include E-SIGN compliance language.

Question 5

What about non-compete agreements — are they enforceable?

Accepted Answer

Non-compete enforceability varies dramatically by state. California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma ban most non-competes. The FTC finalized a nationwide ban in 2024, but enforcement has been challenged in court. Our non-compete templates include blue-pencil clauses, reasonableness guidance, and state-specific warnings. We strongly recommend selecting your state and checking current FTC rule status.

Question 6

Do your lease templates comply with the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All lease agreements include Fair Housing Act compliance language (42 U.S.C. § 3601-3619), lead-based paint disclosure requirements for pre-1978 housing, and SCRA military termination provisions. However, lease law is HIGHLY state-specific for security deposits, eviction procedures, rent control, and other requirements. Please select your state for comprehensive lease compliance.

Question 7

What types of contracts can I create?

Accepted Answer

We support 11 contract types: NDAs, employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, freelance contracts, lease agreements, service agreements, consulting agreements, partnership agreements, non-compete/non-solicitation agreements, licensing agreements, and custom contracts. Each includes jurisdiction-specific clauses, compliance checklists, and legal references.

Question 8

How should I handle IP ownership in contractor and consulting agreements?

Accepted Answer

US copyright law limits the 'work for hire' doctrine to 9 specific categories for independent contractors. Our templates use a belt-and-suspenders approach: work-for-hire language PLUS an express IP assignment clause to ensure complete IP transfer. We also address pre-existing IP with licensing provisions.

United States Contract Templates

Built for United States law

Available contract types

Non-Disclosure Agreement

Freelance Contract

Lease Agreement

Service Agreement

Employment Agreement

Independent Contractor Agreement

Consulting Agreement

Partnership Agreement

Non-Compete/Non-Disclosure Agreement

Licensing Agreement

Compliance at a glance

Frequently asked questions

Related Resources

Guides & Articles

Key Legal Terms

Ready to create your United States contract?