Most contracts are written to be fast to sign and slow to understand. A contract review changes that — it reads every clause, tells you which ones carry risk or cost, and explains them in language you can act on. You don't need a law degree or a £300 solicitor's appointment to know what you're signing. You need the risky clauses found and explained, quickly.
What our contract review service checks
Whatever the contract, the same categories of clause cause the most trouble:
- Payment terms — when and how you get paid, late-payment and deduction clauses.
- Termination & notice — how either side can exit, and what notice is required.
- Auto-renewal — clauses that roll the contract over unless you cancel by a deadline.
- Liability & indemnity — who is on the hook if something goes wrong.
- Restrictive covenants — non-compete and non-solicitation limits on what you can do afterwards.
- Intellectual property — who owns what you create or supply.
- Unfair or one-sided terms — anything that gives the other side rights you don't have.
Review any contract type
The review reads the clauses, so it works on any text-based contract. Common ones:
Contract review service vs a lawyer vs a legal marketplace
| Option | Cost | Speed | Reviews your actual document? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading it yourself | Free | Varies | Only what you recognise |
| BeforeYouSign | $2.99–$9.99 | 60 seconds | Yes — every clause |
| Template / marketplace site | Subscription or per-doc | Instant | No — gives templates, not a review |
| Solicitor / attorney | $225–$1,500+ | Days | Yes — with formal advice |
For most people the smart move is an AI review first, then a lawyer only if something serious turns up. See AI contract review vs a lawyer and what a contract-review lawyer costs.
How it works
- Upload your contract (PDF or DOCX).
- Our AI reads every clause and flags the risky ones by category.
- You get a plain-English report — what each flagged clause means and why it matters — in under 60 seconds.
Why BeforeYouSign
- Instant — a full review in under 60 seconds, not days.
- Affordable — $2.99 a scan, a one-time payment, not a subscription.
- No account — upload and go; nothing to sign up for.
- Private — your contract is analysed in real time and never stored.
- Plain English — every flagged clause explained in language you can act on.
Frequently asked questions
What is a contract review service?
A contract review service reads a contract and tells you what each clause means and where the risks are, so you understand what you are agreeing to before you sign. Traditionally this meant paying a solicitor or attorney. BeforeYouSign does it instantly with AI: you upload the contract and get a plain-English breakdown of every risky clause in under 60 seconds.
How do I get a contract reviewed?
Upload the contract (PDF or DOCX) to BeforeYouSign and the AI reviews every clause and flags the ones that carry risk or cost. You get a plain-English report in under a minute — no account, no waiting, and your document is never stored.
How much does a contract review service cost?
A solicitor or attorney typically charges from around $225 to $1,500+ to review a contract. BeforeYouSign costs $2.99 for a Quick Scan or $9.99 for a Full Analysis with a negotiation playbook — a one-time payment, not a subscription.
Can I get a contract reviewed online without a lawyer?
Yes. An AI review flags the same categories of risky clause a lawyer looks for and explains them in plain English, instantly and cheaply. For a high-value or disputed contract, use the AI review to find the issues first, then take only those specific clauses to a qualified lawyer.
What types of contract can you review?
Any text-based contract — employment contracts and job offers, NDAs, tenancy and lease agreements, freelance and client contracts, supplier and service agreements, partnership agreements and consumer contracts. The review reads the clauses, so it is not limited to one contract type.
Is an AI contract checker accurate?
AI is very good at spotting and explaining the standard risky clauses — restrictive covenants, auto-renewals, liability and indemnity, unusual payment or termination terms. It is a fast, low-cost first pass that catches far more than reading it yourself. It is not a substitute for formal legal advice on a complex or high-stakes contract.
How long does an online contract review take?
Under 60 seconds. You upload the document and the report is generated in real time.
Do you store my contract after reviewing it?
No. Your contract is analysed in real time and never stored, logged, or retained. Once you leave the results page the analysis is gone — we could not retrieve it even if we wanted to.
Colin Adan is the founder of BeforeYouSign, an AI tool that flags risky clauses in everyday contracts and explains them in plain English. BeforeYouSign is not a law firm and this page is general information, not legal advice — for advice on your own situation, speak to a qualified solicitor or attorney.
Disclaimer: This is educational content, not legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.