If you’ve been freelancing for some time, you’ve probably heard how important it is to get your client agreements in writing. It’s not just that a good contract can protect you if a client relationship goes south; it’s that a good contract helps avoid misunderstandings before they start. The very act of putting a contract together forces you and your client to articulate and clarify your expectations up front.

That said, some parts of a contract can be more important than others; or at least they seem to come up more often in disputes. So, here’s a list of contract provisions to be particularly vigilant about, along with some tips on how to navigate them.