Contract templates · Agencies & Client Services
Website projects slip when content arrives late, the spec was never fixed and 'launch' meant different things to each side. The development agreement makes those points explicit.
A website design and development agreement sets the project specification, milestones and payments, client content obligations, acceptance testing, ownership of the site and third-party components, hosting and maintenance, and the post-launch warranty period.
When you need one
- Web designers and developers
- Businesses commissioning a new website
Key clauses in a Website Design & Development Agreement
These are the clauses the template includes, and what each one does for you.
Project specification
Defines pages, features, integrations and browsers covered.
Milestones and payments
Ties payments to milestones such as design sign-off, build and launch.
Client content and materials
Puts the client on the hook for supplying copy, images and logins on time.
Acceptance testing
Sets how the site is tested and what counts as acceptance.
Ownership and third-party components
Transfers ownership of the custom work and lists themes, plugins and fonts licensed from third parties.
Hosting and maintenance
Says whether hosting and maintenance are included or quoted separately.
Warranty period
Commits the developer to fix defects reported within a set period after launch.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Promising 'full ownership' of a site built on licensed themes and plugins.
- No consequence for late client content.
- Treating ongoing maintenance as free after launch.
How to use the template
Download the Word file
Buy the Website Design & Development Agreement template on My Contract Lawyer and download the editable .docx straight after checkout.
Fill in the brackets
Add names, dates, fees, scope and governing law, and delete optional clauses that do not apply to your deal.
Check it against local law
Rules differ between US states, the UK and EU countries, especially for employment, consumer and property contracts. Have a lawyer review high-value or unusual deals.
Sign and keep a copy
Sign on paper or with any e-signature tool, and store the final version where both sides can find it.
Get the Website Design & Development Agreement template
Lawyer-drafted and ready to edit in Word, Google Docs or Pages. One-time payment of $19, no subscription, instant download from My Contract Lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the website code?
The client usually owns custom work once paid; third-party components remain under their own licences.
How long should the warranty period be?
Thirty to ninety days of bug fixing after launch is common.
Does the agreement cover accessibility?
It should state the standard, often WCAG 2.1 AA, if the client needs it.
Related contract templates
Templates are a starting point, not legal advice, and using one does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Contract law differs between countries and states, so check the finished document against local law.