10 Must-Have Elements in Your Divi Development Contract

Imagine starting a web design project without a contract—what could go wrong? (Spoiler: a lot.) Did you know that 70% of freelance disputes stem from unclear agreements? Whether you’re a seasoned Divi developer or dipping your toes into WordPress projects, having a foolproof contract is non-negotiable. Protect your work, set expectations, and avoid sleepless nights over payment disputes or scope creep. This guide will walk you through everything you need to include in your Divi development contract, with tips, examples, and even a free downloadable template—because, let’s face it, contracts shouldn’t feel like deciphering code!

Let’s dive in.

What is a Divi Development Contract and Why Do You Need One?

A Divi development contract is a critical document that establishes clear expectations, protections, and guidelines for web development projects using the Divi theme and framework. For both developers and clients, this agreement serves as a roadmap and legal safeguard throughout the project lifecycle.

Benefits of a Formal Contract

Contracts provide substantial advantages for all parties involved:

• Protection against misunderstandings and scope creep
• Clear definition of project expectations
• Legal recourse in case of disputes
• Professional framework for collaboration

Risks of Working Without a Contract

Operating without a formal agreement exposes both developers and clients to significant risks:

• Potential for unpaid work
• Unclear project boundaries
• Disputes over deliverables
• No defined mechanism for resolving conflicts

Divi-specific projects require tailored contractual clauses due to the unique nature of WordPress and Divi theme development, making a comprehensive contract even more critical.

The 10 Must-Have Elements in a Divi Development Contract

1. Scope of Work

The scope of work is the foundation of your contract. For Divi projects, this section must meticulously outline:

• Specific theme customizations
• Number of pages to be developed
• Custom plugin or functionality requirements
• Explicit boundaries of included and excluded tasks

2. Payment Terms and Milestones

A clear payment structure prevents financial misunderstandings:

• Initial deposit percentage
• Milestone-based payment schedule
• Final balance payment terms
• Accepted payment methods
• Late payment penalties

3. Project Timeline and Deadlines

Precise timeline documentation helps manage expectations:

• Specific delivery dates for each project phase
• Intermediate milestone completion dates
• Final project handoff deadline
• Consequences for missed deadlines
• Flexibility clauses for unexpected complications

4. Revisions and Change Requests Policy

Establish clear guidelines for project modifications:

• Number of included revisions
• Process for requesting additional changes
• Pricing structure for extra revisions
• Approval mechanism for change requests

5. Intellectual Property Rights

Define ownership and usage rights comprehensively:

• Ownership of design and code
• Licensing details for custom and third-party components
• Transfer of intellectual property upon project completion
• Usage restrictions and permissions

6. Confidentiality Clause

Protect sensitive information throughout the project:

• Non-disclosure agreements
• Data handling protocols
• Protection of client and developer proprietary information
• Post-project confidentiality requirements

7. Termination Clause

Create a clear exit strategy for both parties:

• Conditions for project termination
• Refund policies
• Work ownership in premature termination scenarios
• Notice periods and communication protocols

8. Liability and Warranty Disclaimer

Address potential post-delivery scenarios:

• Scope of post-launch support
• Bug fix responsibilities
• Performance guarantees
• Limitations of developer liability

9. Testing and Approval Process

Establish a structured review mechanism:

• Client review stages
• Quality assurance checkpoints
• Acceptance criteria for Divi-specific elements
• Final sign-off procedures

10. Force Majeure and Legal Boundaries

Prepare for unexpected circumstances:

• Handling unforeseen events
• Geographic jurisdiction for legal disputes
• Conflict resolution mechanisms
• Compliance with regional regulations

Conclusion

Having a clear, professionally crafted development contract doesn’t just protect your projects—it protects your peace of mind. By including these must-have clauses, you can tackle any project with confidence, leaving no room for misunderstandings or disputes. Contracts may not be glamorous, but they’re the backbone of productive and stress-free client relationships in 2025.

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