How to read a contract before you sign

1. 01Read the money clauses firstTotal cost, payment schedule, late fees, automatic increases, and anything described as 'plus applicable fees'.
2. 02Find the term and renewalHow long you're locked in, whether it auto-renews, and how many days' notice cancellation requires.
3. 03Find the exitTermination rights for each party and the penalty for leaving early. If only they can exit cheaply, that's the negotiation point.
4. 04Check liability and dispute termsWho's responsible when things go wrong, arbitration clauses, and which jurisdiction's law applies.
5. 05Look for ownership and confidentialityEspecially in work and creative contracts: who owns what you make, and what you're barred from doing afterward.
6. 06Ask for edits in writingRequest changes by email, get the revised version, and never rely on a verbal 'don't worry, we never enforce that'.

General educational information, not legal, tax, medical, or financial advice. Rules vary by country and change over time — verify with a qualified professional before acting.