Hire a Contractor Right,
Every Time
A complete independent contractor agreement with IP assignment, payment terms, and confidentiality. For developers, designers, and consultants. No legalese walls.
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IP Assignment Included
Work product and deliverables transfer to you upon full payment, no ambiguity about ownership.
Contractor Classification
Explicit language establishing independent contractor status protects you from IRS and state misclassification audits.
Payment Terms & Termination
Defines exactly when payment is due and how either party can exit cleanly.
When to use this agreement
Hiring a freelance developer, designer, or writer for a defined project
Engaging a consultant for a one-time engagement or short-term contract
Bringing on a contractor before you're ready to hire full-time
Any project where you need clear IP ownership from day one
Situations where misclassification risk needs to be addressed in writing
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a contractor and an employee?▾
A contractor is an independent business that provides services under contract and is responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits. This agreement explicitly establishes that classification and protects the client from misclassification liability.
Who owns the work a contractor creates?▾
Without a written IP assignment clause, the contractor may retain copyright in their deliverables. This agreement includes an explicit work-for-hire clause and IP assignment that transfers all rights to the client upon full payment.
Do I need a lawyer to create a contractor agreement?▾
Not for standard freelance engagements. A well-drafted written agreement covering services, payment, IP, and confidentiality is enforceable without attorney involvement for most single-project work.
Can I use this for an ongoing relationship?▾
This agreement is designed for single-project or defined-term engagements. For ongoing retainer or multi-project relationships, you should use a master service agreement (MSA) with separate statements of work.
How to Execute Your Contractor Agreement
- Review the agreement with your contractor before signing.
- Both parties print and sign two copies, one each.
- Retain your signed copy in a safe place for the duration of the engagement.
- Only begin work after both parties have signed.
- For extra protection, have both signatures notarized.
kweldoc documents are drafting tools, not legal advice. Both parties should review any agreement before signing. Consult a qualified attorney for complex or high-value engagements. kweldoc is not a law firm.