Scope of Work
Describe tasks, deliverables, work schedule, expected response times, and any excluded activities. Use concrete examples and attach a task list or SOW as an exhibit to avoid ambiguity.
A written contract clarifies responsibilities, payment schedules, confidentiality, and IP ownership so both parties can rely on enforceable terms. It reduces disputes, supports compliance with data-protection rules, and documents consent for electronic transactions under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA statutes.
This contract is used by small business owners, busy professionals, and freelancers who hire virtual assistants, and by virtual assistants and agencies who provide remote services.
Use a written contract whenever tasks, access to sensitive information, or ongoing payment obligations require clear, legally enforceable terms.
The person or business contracting the virtual assistant. Responsible for specifying scope, approving deliverables, and making payments as set out in the contract; may provide access credentials or tools under confidentiality limits.
The independent contractor or agency providing services. Responsible for performing tasks, meeting deadlines, and safeguarding confidential information; must sign to accept payment terms and IP assignment provisions.
Describe tasks, deliverables, work schedule, expected response times, and any excluded activities. Use concrete examples and attach a task list or SOW as an exhibit to avoid ambiguity.
State rates (hourly or flat), billing frequency, accepted payment methods, late-fee policy, and whether deposits or retainers are required; specify currency and invoicing procedure.
Include nondisclosure obligations, permitted disclosures, duration of confidentiality, and requirements for returning or destroying client data on termination.
Clarify whether the VA assigns copyright and work-for-hire rights to the client, or retains ownership subject to a license; define deliverables subject to assignment.
Set notice periods, cause vs. convenience termination rights, payment for work completed, and procedures for transition or data handover.
Limit liability to a stated cap where appropriate, exclude indirect damages, and include indemnity clauses for third-party claims arising from a party's breach or negligence.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Place signature and date fields for all parties |
| Authentication | Use email link or SMS code per signer risk |
| Conditional Clauses | Show payment or IP clauses only if selected |
| Reminders | Set automatic reminders and expiration dates |
Choose a platform that supports secure signatures, configurable authentication, integration with business tools, and compliant storage.
Ensure the platform can produce an auditable certificate of completion and store signed contracts according to retention policies.
MM/DD/YYYY when obligations begin
Invoice due within 15–30 days
Typically 14–30 days written notice
Set specific due dates or milestones
Specify time to raise claims after delivery
A founder hires a VA for email triage and calendar management
A marketing agency engages a VA contractor for content prep
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial, no credit card required | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |