Term & Termination
Termination rights and notice period
This clause controls how either side gets out and what you are owed when they do. A one-sided 'client can cancel any time, freelancer can't leave, and unpaid work isn't covered' term is a common imbalance. Mutual notice plus payment for work done to the termination date is the balanced norm.
What to look for
Who can end the contract, on what grounds, and with how much notice. Look for one-sided rights (client can terminate for convenience but freelancer cannot), very short notice against the freelancer, and whether work done up to termination is paid.
How Clause rates it
RedClient can terminate for convenience at any time with no notice and no obligation to pay for work already done, while the freelancer has no equivalent exit; or the freelancer is locked in with no right to leave.
AmberTermination rights are unbalanced or the notice period is short/asymmetric, or it is unclear whether completed work is paid on termination.
GreenBoth parties can terminate on reasonable notice (and immediately for material breach), and the client must pay for all work performed up to the termination date.
Wording you can ask for
Suggested redline
Either party may terminate this agreement on [30] days' written notice, or immediately if the other party is in material breach and fails to remedy it within 14 days. On termination the Client shall pay for all Services performed up to the termination date.
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