Question 1

What makes a contract legally valid?

Accepted Answer

A contract is legally valid when it contains four essential elements: offer (one party proposes terms), acceptance (the other party agrees), consideration (something of value is exchanged — money, services, or a promise), and mutual intent to be bound. Both parties must be competent adults, and the contract's purpose must be legal. Written contracts are not strictly required for every agreement, but they are far easier to enforce because they provide a clear record of what was agreed to. Most jurisdictions also require certain contracts — such as real estate sales or agreements lasting over one year — to be in writing under the Statute of Frauds. [Learn more about contract essentials](/blog/do-i-need-a-contract).

Question 2

What should every contract include?

Accepted Answer

Every well-drafted contract should include: the full legal names and contact information of all parties, a clear description of what is being agreed to (scope of work, goods, or services), payment terms (amount, schedule, method, and late fees), the effective date and duration of the agreement, termination conditions and notice periods, a governing law clause specifying which jurisdiction's laws apply, a dispute resolution mechanism (mediation, arbitration, or litigation), a notices clause with addresses or emails for formal communication, and signature blocks for all parties. Depending on the type of agreement, you may also need confidentiality, intellectual property, indemnification, or force majeure clauses. [Create a contract with all standard clauses included](/contracts).

Question 3

Is a verbal agreement legally binding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, verbal agreements can be legally binding in many situations. If two parties verbally agree to terms with offer, acceptance, and consideration, a valid contract exists. However, verbal contracts are extremely difficult to enforce because there is no written record of what was agreed to — it becomes one person's word against another. Most jurisdictions require certain types of contracts to be in writing under the Statute of Frauds, including real estate transactions, agreements lasting more than one year, and contracts for goods over a certain value. For any agreement involving money, services, or ongoing obligations, a written contract is strongly recommended. [Learn why you always need a written contract](/blog/true-cost-of-not-having-a-contract).

Question 4

What happens if someone breaches a contract?

Accepted Answer

When a party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations, the other party can seek legal remedies. Common remedies include monetary damages (compensatory damages for actual losses, consequential damages for foreseeable indirect losses, and in some cases, liquidated damages specified in the contract), specific performance (a court order requiring the breaching party to fulfill their obligations), and contract rescission (cancellation of the agreement and restoration of both parties to their pre-contract positions). Before pursuing legal action, review your contract's dispute resolution clause — many contracts require mediation or arbitration before litigation. The strength of a breach claim depends on how clearly the contract defines each party's obligations. [Read about contract red flags to avoid](/blog/contract-red-flags-never-ignore).

Question 5

Do online contracts hold up in court?

Accepted Answer

Yes, online contracts — including clickwrap agreements, e-signed documents, and contracts signed via digital signature platforms — are legally enforceable in most jurisdictions. In the United States, the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN Act) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) give electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten ones. The European Union's eIDAS regulation provides similar protections. For an online contract to hold up, it must still meet the standard requirements of any valid contract: offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual intent. Courts have consistently upheld online contracts when both parties clearly consented to the terms.

Question 6

Can I write my own contract without a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can write your own contract without a lawyer, and many straightforward agreements do not require legal counsel. For common contract types — freelance agreements, NDAs, service contracts, and lease agreements — using a professional contract generator ensures your document includes all standard legal clauses, jurisdiction-specific terms, and proper structure. The key is clarity: define exactly what each party will do, when, and for how much. However, for complex deals involving significant money, unusual terms, regulatory considerations, or potential litigation risk, legal review is recommended. A well-structured contract is lawyer-ready, meaning an attorney can quickly review and adjust specific terms rather than drafting from scratch. [Create a professionally structured contract in minutes](/contracts).

Question 7

Do I need an NDA before sharing my business idea?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the context. For initial conversations with potential investors, most will not sign an NDA — this is standard practice in the venture capital world. However, you should use an NDA before sharing detailed financial projections, proprietary technology, source code, customer data, or trade secrets with potential partners, employees, or contractors. An NDA is especially important before any formal due diligence or technical deep-dive. For initial pitches, share enough to generate interest without revealing your competitive advantage. Remember that an NDA protects specific disclosed information, not general ideas — so be specific about what constitutes confidential information. [Create an NDA](/app/contracts/new/nda) or [read our NDA guide](/blog/do-i-need-an-nda).

Question 8

What is the difference between a contract and an agreement?

Accepted Answer

All contracts are agreements, but not all agreements are contracts. An agreement is any mutual understanding between two or more parties — it can be informal and may not be legally enforceable. A contract is a specific type of agreement that meets legal requirements: offer, acceptance, consideration, mutual intent, and lawful purpose. For example, agreeing to meet a friend for lunch is an agreement, but it is not a contract because there is no consideration (exchange of value) and no intent to create legal obligations. When money, services, or binding commitments are involved, you need a contract — not just an agreement. [Explore different types of business contracts](/blog/types-of-business-contracts-guide).

Question 9

How do I terminate a contract?

Accepted Answer

Contract termination depends on the type and terms. Most contracts include a termination clause specifying how either party can end the agreement — typically with written notice delivered within a set period (30 to 90 days is common). Contracts can also end by mutual agreement, expiration of the term, completion of obligations, or breach by one party. For cause-based termination, document the specific breach and provide the other party an opportunity to cure (fix the issue) within the timeframe specified in the contract. Always terminate in writing and keep records. Review your contract's specific termination provisions before taking action — improper termination can expose you to liability for damages. [Learn about contract essentials](/blog/do-i-need-a-contract).

Question 10

How do I add an e-signature to a contract?

Accepted Answer

E-signatures are legally valid in most jurisdictions under the US E-SIGN Act, UETA, and the EU's eIDAS regulation. To add an e-signature to your contract: download the PDF, then sign using any standard method — your PDF reader's built-in signature tool (Adobe Acrobat, Preview on Mac), a free e-signature platform (DocuSign, HelloSign, PandaDoc), or a dedicated e-signature service for multiple signers. For contracts requiring both parties to sign, e-signature platforms let you send the document for sequential or parallel signing with an audit trail. The signature blocks in Contract.DIY contracts include fields for name, title, date, and signature for all parties. [Create a contract](/contracts) with signature-ready formatting.

Question 11

How long should a non-compete clause be?

Accepted Answer

Non-compete clauses typically range from 6 months to 2 years. Courts generally consider 1 year reasonable for most industries. Enforceability depends on duration, geographic scope, and how narrowly the restricted activities are defined. Some jurisdictions — including California, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Minnesota — ban or severely restrict non-competes entirely. For most employment and contractor situations, a non-solicitation agreement (preventing solicitation of clients or employees) paired with a confidentiality agreement provides strong protection while being more enforceable than a broad non-compete. [Learn more about employment contracts](/faq/employment).

Question 12

Can a contract be changed after it has been signed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, contracts can be modified after signing, but only if all parties agree to the changes. A contract modification (also called an amendment or addendum) should be documented in writing and signed by all parties. Verbal modifications are risky and difficult to enforce. Most well-drafted contracts include an amendment clause specifying how changes must be made — typically requiring written consent from all parties. Unilateral changes (one party modifying terms without the other's agreement) are not legally valid. If significant changes are needed, it may be better to draft a new contract entirely. Always keep a copy of the original contract alongside any amendments.

Question 13

How long is a contract valid for?

Accepted Answer

A contract's validity period depends on its terms. Fixed-term contracts specify an exact start and end date — common for leases (12 months), freelance projects (project completion), and service agreements (annual terms). Contracts without a specified end date may continue indefinitely until terminated by either party with proper notice, or until the obligations are fully performed. Some contracts include auto-renewal clauses that extend the term automatically unless one party provides notice of non-renewal. The statute of limitations for enforcing a breached contract varies by jurisdiction and contract type — typically 3 to 6 years for written contracts and 2 to 3 years for verbal ones. [Learn more about contract terms and durations](/blog/guide-to-reading-any-contract).

Question 14

What is Contract.DIY?

Accepted Answer

Contract.DIY is a contract generation service that helps freelancers, small businesses, and professionals create professionally structured contract templates in minutes. Describe your agreement in plain language, review the generated contract, and download it ready to sign. [Get started for free](/sign-up).

Question 15

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

Simply describe your agreement - who the parties are, what's being agreed to, and any key terms. Contract.DIY drafts a professional legal contract tailored to your situation. You can then review, customize, download as a PDF, and sign.

Question 16

Is Contract.DIY free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, signing up is free — no credit card required. Paid plans start at $9/month (Starter: 25 credits/month) and $29/month (Pro: unlimited credits). All plans include PDF export.

Question 17

Do I need an account to use Contract.DIY?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a free account is required to generate and save contracts. Signing up takes less than a minute - just an email and password.

Question 18

What industries and professions does Contract.DIY support?

Accepted Answer

Contract.DIY supports a wide range of industries including creative services (videography, photography, music, design, writing), technology (software development, web development, IT consulting), professional services (consulting), trades (construction), events, health & fitness, real estate, and education. [Browse all templates](/templates).

Question 19

How do I share a contract with the other party?

Accepted Answer

After generating your contract, you can download it as a PDF and share it via email or any file-sharing service. You can also use the shareable link feature to send a read-only preview directly to the other party for review before signing.

Question 20

What jurisdictions are supported?

Accepted Answer

Contract.DIY generates jurisdiction-aware contracts for all 50 US states, Canadian provinces, the UK, Australia, and the EU. Each contract includes governing law clauses tailored to your selected jurisdiction's legal requirements and conventions.

Question 21

How long does it take to create a contract?

Accepted Answer

Most contracts are generated in under 60 seconds. Fill in the details about your agreement — parties, terms, and any specific requirements — and receive a complete, professionally structured contract ready for review and download.

Question 22

Are contracts from Contract.DIY legally binding?

Accepted Answer

Contracts from Contract.DIY can be legally binding when they meet the standard requirements: offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual intent. Contract.DIY generates contracts based on your specific details and applicable legal standards. We always recommend having a qualified attorney review important contracts before signing.

Question 23

Can I edit the contract after it's generated?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. After your contract is generated, you can review and edit any section before downloading or signing. The contract is yours to modify.

Question 24

What file formats are available for download?

Accepted Answer

Contracts can be downloaded as PDF, which is ready for signing. We're working on adding Word (.docx) export in a future update.

Question 25

How accurate are the generated contracts?

Accepted Answer

Contract.DIY uses detailed, industry-standard contract templates as a foundation and fills in the specifics based on your inputs. The results are designed to be practical and thorough. That said, Contract.DIY is not a law firm - for high-stakes agreements, please have a qualified attorney review your contract.

Question 26

Can I use the same contract template multiple times?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can generate as many contracts from any template as your plan allows. Each contract is a fresh document customized to the details you provide.

Question 27

What types of contracts can I create?

Accepted Answer

Contract.DIY supports NDAs (non-disclosure agreements), freelance and service agreements, consulting contracts, lease agreements, and custom agreements. You can also [browse industry-specific templates](/templates) tailored to your profession.

Question 28

How does the e-signature work?

Accepted Answer

Contract.DIY generates contracts with built-in signature blocks for all parties. Download your contract as a PDF, then sign it using any method you prefer — print and sign by hand, use a free e-signature tool like DocuSign or HelloSign, or sign digitally using your PDF reader's built-in signature feature. The signature blocks include fields for name, title, date, and signature.

Question 29

What templates are available?

Accepted Answer

Contract.DIY offers templates across multiple categories: Creative (videography, photography, music, design, writing), Technology (software development, web development, IT consulting), Professional Services (consulting), Trades (general contracting), Events (event planning), Health & Fitness (personal training), Real Estate (property management), and Education (tutoring, course creation). [Browse all templates](/templates).

Question 30

Are the templates industry-specific?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each template is tailored to its industry's common terms, standard practices, and typical legal requirements. A wedding photography contract, for example, includes clauses specific to that profession - like retainer policy, gallery delivery timelines, and cancellation terms.

Question 31

Can I request a new template for my profession?

Accepted Answer

Yes — use the [Contact page](/contact) to submit a template request. We prioritize new industries based on demand.

Question 32

How do I know which template to use?

Accepted Answer

Start by browsing templates filtered by industry or category. Each template includes a description and a list of key clauses so you can quickly understand what it covers. If you're unsure, the Custom contract option lets you describe your agreement in your own words.

Question 33

How does the credit / contract limit system work?

Accepted Answer

Each finalized contract uses 1 credit. Purchase credits individually or subscribe to a plan. Starter includes 25 credits per month, and Pro includes 100 credits per month. Subscription credits reset at the start of each billing cycle.

Question 34

What's included in the free plan?

Accepted Answer

Signing up is free and includes full access to all templates and contract drafting. Purchase credits when you are ready to finalize and export as PDF. No credit card required. [See all plans](/pricing).

Question 35

How do I upgrade my plan?

Accepted Answer

Go to the [Pricing page](/pricing) and select the plan you want. Upgrades take effect immediately and are prorated for the current billing period.

Question 36

Can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can cancel anytime from your account settings. You'll retain access to your plan until the end of the current billing period.

Question 37

Do unused contracts roll over to the next month?

Accepted Answer

No - Starter credits reset at the start of each billing cycle and do not roll over. Pro includes unlimited credits.

Question 38

Do you offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

Unused credits may be refunded within 7 days of purchase. Credits that have been used to generate contracts are non-refundable. To request a refund, contact support@Contract.DIY.

Question 39

How is my data stored?

Accepted Answer

Your contract data is encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest. We use industry-standard cloud infrastructure with regular backups.

Question 40

Who can see my contracts?

Accepted Answer

Only you can access your contracts. Contract.DIY does not share, sell, or use your contract content for any purpose other than providing you the service.

Question 41

Is Contract.DIY GDPR compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We collect only the data necessary to provide the service, allow you to delete your account and data at any time, and do not sell personal data to third parties. See our [Privacy Policy](/privacy) for full details.

Question 42

Can I delete my contracts and account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can delete individual contracts at any time. To delete your account and all associated data, go to Account Settings and select 'Delete Account'. This action is permanent.

Question 43

Does Contract.DIY use my contracts to improve the product?

Accepted Answer

No. Your contract content is private and is not used for training, analytics, or product improvement. Only anonymized, non-identifiable usage data (e.g., which template was selected) may be used for product analytics.

Question 44

How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Go to [Contract.DIY/sign-up](/sign-up). Enter your email and create a password. That's it — you're on the free plan immediately with no credit card required.

Question 45

How do I change my password?

Accepted Answer

Go to Account Settings and select 'Change Password'. You'll receive a confirmation email. If you've forgotten your password, use the 'Forgot password?' link on the sign-in page.

Question 46

How do I change my subscription plan?

Accepted Answer

Go to Account Settings → Subscription and select a new plan. Upgrades take effect immediately. Downgrades take effect at the end of your current billing cycle.

Question 47

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

Go to Account Settings and select 'Delete Account'. This permanently deletes your account and all associated contracts. This action cannot be undone.

Question 48

Can I have multiple users on one account?

Accepted Answer

Not currently. Contract.DIY is built for individual use. Team accounts are on our roadmap - sign up for the newsletter to be notified when they're available.

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