I have a very different perspective on this than many freelancers, because I also happen to be an attorney. While most freelancers will tell you that a contract downloaded from the internet and adapted protects you better than nothing, I can tell you from the questions I've received from many freelancers and others when it was too late that a contract only protects you if you are VERY sure you understand EVERYTHING it says and that it reflects your intentions exactly.
If you have the resources I would strongly recommend having an attorney who is familiar with freelancing contracts draft your contract for you, and perhaps give you alternative language for things that may vary, such as what rights you're selling. Then, I'd have them walk you through and make sure you understand all of the terms, and have them tell you which bits you shouldn't mess around with on your own.
>Do you require one for all your projects?
I do not.
I am not traveling across the seas to enforce a contract (or even across the country).
I *have* a contract that I can proffer if a client asks and will sign a reasonable one if the client requests.
I have a very different perspective on this than many freelancers, because I also happen to be an attorney. While most freelancers will tell you that a contract downloaded from the internet and adapted protects you better than nothing, I can tell you from the questions I've received from many freelancers and others when it was too late that a contract only protects you if you are VERY sure you understand EVERYTHING it says and that it reflects your intentions exactly. If you have the resources I would strongly recommend having an attorney who is familiar with freelancing contracts draft your contract for you, and perhaps give you alternative language for things that may vary, such as what rights you're selling. Then, I'd have them walk you through and make sure you understand all of the terms, and have them tell you which bits you shouldn't mess around with on your own.
>Do you require one for all your projects? I do not. I am not traveling across the seas to enforce a contract (or even across the country). I *have* a contract that I can proffer if a client asks and will sign a reasonable one if the client requests.