Question 1

Should the contract specify a governing law?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A governing law clause states which country's or state's law applies to the contract and which courts have jurisdiction if there is a dispute. For most freelance and small business contracts, this is the translator's home jurisdiction. Clients in other countries may push back, but it is generally in your interest to use your own jurisdiction. Without a governing law clause, both parties may disagree about which rules apply, making any dispute significantly more complicated and expensive to resolve.

Question 2

What is a liability cap and should I include one?

Accepted Answer

A liability cap limits the total amount either party can claim from the other in the event of a dispute or loss. For example, a contract might cap the translator's liability to the total fees paid under that contract. Liability caps protect freelancers and small businesses from disproportionate claims. They are standard in professional service contracts. However, the specific wording matters greatly: overly broad or poorly worded caps may be unenforceable. This template is a starting point only and is not a substitute for qualified legal advice.

Question 3

Do I really need a written contract, or is email enough?

Accepted Answer

Email exchanges can form a binding agreement in many jurisdictions, but they are far harder to rely on when a dispute arises. A written contract in a single document sets out the full scope, payment, IP ownership, and termination terms in one place. If anything is disputed, you point to one signed document rather than hunting through a thread. For any project above a few hundred pounds or dollars, a proper written contract is worth the time. This template provides a starting point, but it is not legal advice: have a solicitor review it before use for anything material.

Question 4

What should the deposit be for a translator contract?

Accepted Answer

A common pattern is a deposit of 25 to 50 percent of the total project fee, paid before work begins. The deposit protects you against a client who disappears after you have invested time, and it signals that the client is serious. Some translators use a tiered structure: a deposit at signing, a milestone payment at 50 percent completion, and a final payment on delivery. For very large projects, three or four milestone payments spread the financial risk for both sides. Whatever you agree, write it clearly in the contract.

Question 5

What happens if the client wants to change the scope mid-project?

Accepted Answer

Scope creep is one of the most common sources of disputes in translator work. Your contract should include a change-order clause that states any additions to the agreed scope must be documented in writing, priced separately, and approved by both parties before the additional work begins. Without this clause, clients may expect extra work at no cost. A short change-order form or email confirmation referencing the contract is sufficient. Good contracts make scope changes a process, not a battle.

Question 6

Who owns the work once it is delivered?

Accepted Answer

Ownership of the final work depends on what your contract says. By default in most jurisdictions, the creator retains copyright until it is explicitly transferred. Most translators either transfer full copyright on final payment, retain ownership and licence the work to the client, or grant a limited licence (for example, use in one market or medium). Choose the arrangement that matches your business model and write it clearly. If you retain source files or raw materials, state that in the contract. This template is a starting point only: IP law varies by jurisdiction, so review with a solicitor before use.

Service	Typical Rate	Unit
Standard Translation (per source word)	£0.10 - £0.20	per word
Legal / Technical Translation (per source word)	£0.15 - £0.30	per word
Certified Translation (per page)	£50 - £120	per page
Proofreading / Editing Translated Text	£0.03 - £0.07	per word
Website Localisation (per page)	£50 - £200	per page
Rush Delivery Surcharge (same/next day)	30-50%	surcharge

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