Is a contract template legally binding?

A contract is binding when there's offer, acceptance, consideration (something of value both ways), and intention to be bound, whether it started life as a template or not. Both parties signing a completed version of this document generally creates a binding agreement.

Does a contract need to be notarized?

Ordinary service contracts don't need notarization in most jurisdictions, signatures alone bind the parties. Notarization is typically for documents like deeds, some powers of attorney, and affidavits.

Can I use this for any kind of work?

It fits most service arrangements, freelancing, consulting, trades, agencies. For employment (not contracting), regulated industries, or anything involving real estate transfers, use the specific document for that purpose.

Service Agreement / General Contract Template

The all-purpose two-party contract: who's doing what, for how much, by when, and what happens if it goes wrong. Works for services, projects, and ongoing work.

SERVICE AGREEMENT This Service Agreement ("Agreement") is made on between: Provider: , of ("Provider"), and Client: , of ("Client"). 1. SERVICES. Provider agrees to perform the following services: . 2. TERM. This Agreement begins on and ends on . 3. PAYMENT. Client will pay Provider , payable . Late payments accrue interest at % per month. 4. EXPENSES. 5. REVISIONS & CHANGES. Changes to the scope must be agreed in writing. Additional work will be billed at . 6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Upon full payment, . Provider retains rights to pre-existing materials and tools. 7. CONFIDENTIALITY. Each party will keep the other's non-public information confidential and use it only to perform this Agreement. 8. TERMINATION. Either party may terminate with days' written notice. Client will pay for work performed up to the termination date. 9. LIABILITY. Neither party is liable for indirect or consequential damages. Provider's total liability is capped at the fees paid under this Agreement. 10. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement is governed by the laws of . Disputes will be resolved in the courts of . 11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This is the entire agreement and supersedes all prior discussions. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties. SIGNED: _________________________ _________________________ Date: Date:

Download Word (.docx)0/22 blanks filled · nothing is uploaded, this stays on your device

Using this for something that matters?

This free service agreement / general contract covers the standard situation. If real money, property, or an ongoing relationship rides on it, a professionally drafted version, or a quick attorney review of what you've filled in, costs little and removes the guesswork.

Ask any local attorney for a fixed-fee document review, most offer one.

How to use this template

Be embarrassingly specific in the Services clause, most contract disputes are scope disputes.
Cap your liability at the contract value (clause 9); it's the single most protective sentence for a provider.
Never start work on a handshake 'while the contract gets sorted', send this first, work second.
For work over a few thousand dollars, spend the ~$100 on an attorney review. The template gets you 90% there; the review makes it yours.

These templates are general forms for informational purposes, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by using them. Laws vary by state and country, have a licensed attorney review any document before you rely on it.

Common questions

Related templates

Freelance Contract Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)LLC Operating Agreement Employment Contract Partnership Agreement Independent Contractor Agreement Subcontractor Agreement Consulting Agreement