Ask How do you protect yourself as a freelancer when a client wants you to sign their contract instead of yours?

[Edward22]

Agreements are a normal part of freelancing, but the terms inside them can vary a great deal depending on who wrote the document. When a client shows up with their own contract, it may contain terms that are not in your favor, including ownership of work, payment timelines, or clauses about future projects. Reading and understanding every part of a legal document is not always straightforward, especially without legal training. Pushing back on specific terms can feel uncomfortable if you do not want to start the relationship on a difficult note. When a client insists on using their own contract, how do you review and negotiate it without seeming difficult or unprepared?