BeforeYouSign Blog

Plain-English guides to understanding contracts before you sign them.

Employment5 min read

Can Your Employer Change Your Contract Without Telling You?

Variation clauses give employers flexibility to change your contract terms. Here’s what they can and can’t do — and what to check before you sign.

16 March 2026
Employment7 min read

Restrictive Covenants in Employment Contracts: What They Mean and How to Spot Them

Restrictive covenants limit what you can do after you leave a job. Here’s what each type means, how they’re enforced, and what fair looks like before you sign.

15 March 2026
Employment7 min read

Non-Compete Clauses in Employment Contracts: UK vs US (2026)

Non-compete clauses work very differently in the UK and US. Here’s what’s actually enforceable in each jurisdiction — and what to check before you sign.

14 March 2026
Employment6 min read

What Does a Probationary Period Actually Mean in Your Contract?

Probation periods affect your notice rights, benefit entitlements, and how easily you can be dismissed. Here’s what the terms actually mean before you sign.

13 March 2026
Employment14 min read

Employment Contract Red Flags: What to Check Before You Sign (2026)

The clauses that catch new hires most often — non-competes, restrictive covenants, probation terms, arbitration and more. Plain-English guide for anyone starting a new job.

12 March 2026
Freelance Contracts12 min read

Intellectual Property Clauses in Freelance Contracts: What You're Really Signing Away

Under UK law, freelancers own their IP by default — but your contract can change that. Learn what IP clauses mean, the red flags to watch for, and how to protect your work.

8 March 2026
Freelancers14 min read

What to Check Before Signing a Freelance Contract (2026 Guide)

The 7 clauses freelancers miss most — plain-English guide to IP assignment, non-competes, auto-renewal and more. Know what you're signing before it costs you.

8 March 2026
Freelancers6 min read

What Does "Work for Hire" Mean in a Freelance Contract?

Work for hire clauses hand your IP to the client permanently. Here's what the phrase actually means, when it applies, and what to watch out for before you sign.

8 March 2026
Freelancers6 min read

IP Assignment Clause: What Freelancers Need to Know

An IP assignment clause transfers your copyright to the client. Here's what it means, what the dangerous versions look like, and how to protect your pre-existing work.

8 March 2026
Freelancers7 min read

Non-Compete Clauses for Freelancers: What's Actually Enforceable?

Non-compete clauses can lock you out of your own industry. Here's what's legally enforceable for freelancers in the UK and US — and what to push back on.

8 March 2026
Freelancers5 min read

Auto-Renewal Clauses: The Freelance Contract Trap Nobody Talks About

Auto-renewal clauses lock you into contracts you meant to leave. Here's how they work, where they hide, and what to check before you're committed to another term.

8 March 2026
Guides8 min read

How to Negotiate a Freelance Contract (Without a Lawyer)

Negotiating a freelance contract doesn't require a lawyer or confrontation. Here's exactly what to say, which clauses to push back on, and how to protect yourself without losing the work.

8 March 2026
Guides10 min read

AI Contract Review vs. Hiring a Lawyer: 2026 Cost & Accuracy Comparison

Lawyers charge $490+ to review a contract. AI tools cost under $20. Here's an honest 2026 comparison of cost, accuracy, and when each makes sense — with a hybrid approach that uses both.

27 February 2026
Renters10 min read

What Every UK Renter Should Check Before Signing a Tenancy Agreement

Landlords routinely include unenforceable clauses in tenancy agreements. Here are 7 things every UK renter should check before signing — backed by law and real examples.

27 February 2026
Freelancers10 min read

7 Red Flags in Freelance Contracts That Cost People Thousands

Over half of freelancers have experienced non-payment. These 7 contract red flags — backed by real cases and data — show you exactly what to watch for before you sign.

26 February 2026
Guides8 min read

The True Cost of Not Reviewing a Contract

A contract review costs $490 from a lawyer. Skipping it can cost thousands. Real cases and hard data on what happens when you sign without reading.

26 February 2026
Consumer12 min read

We Read the Terms & Conditions So You Don't Have To — And Honestly, We Wish We Hadn't

We ran the T&Cs from Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn through an AI contract analyser. Every single platform scored High Risk. Here's what we found.

26 February 2026