Can a Client Change Payment Terms After Freelance Work is Done in CA?
Did your client publish your copy on their live site but 'forgot' to pay your invoice? Establish your publishing leverage under California SB 988. This template suspends their commercial rights until they settle your bill.
California SB 988 · Effective Jan 1, 2025
Client Won't Pay? Draft Your SB 988 Demand Letter
Paste your invoice or describe the situation. Our AI generates a formal California demand letter citing the 30-day rule and double-damage remedy — ready to send in minutes.
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Know the Law
California SB 988 — Plain English
Written contract is mandatory
Any California freelance engagement worth $250 or more — individually or cumulative within 120 days — must have a written contract. An email chain counts only if it specifies parties, services, rate, and payment date.
30 days to pay, no excuses
Once you submit an invoice, the client has 30 calendar days to pay — unless your written contract specifies a different date. There is no grace period. Day 31 onwards, double damages begin accruing.
Late? You owe double.
If payment is late, the contractor is entitled to damages equal to the full unpaid amount — effectively doubling what the client owes. Plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs. This right cannot be waived by contract.
🔥 If they're 30+ days late, this is your move
Step 1 → Generate a formal SB 988 demand letter (states exact double-damage amount + 10-day response window).
Step 2 → If no response, file in California Small Claims Court (up to $12,500, no lawyer needed).
Step 3 → Present the demand letter as evidence — judge awards double damages automatically under SB 988.
Sample Language
Writing Agreement Template Preview
Clients love to launch your marketing copy while delaying your final check. Use this template to declare that the license to use your copy is suspended until paid.
FREELANCE COPYWRITING & CONTENT AGREEMENT ================================================== This Content Creation Agreement is fully subject to California SB 988 regulations for independent contractors. 1. PARTIES: - Writer: [Your Name / Copywriter Brand] - Client: [Client Name / Company] 2. DELIVERABLES & COMMERCIAL USAGE: - Scope: SEO Articles, Copywriting, Marketing Collateral, and Scriptwriting. - Usage License: Writer grants Client a conditional license to publish and distribute the copy. This license is automatically suspended if payment is delayed beyond the statutory limit. 3. FINANCIAL TERMS: - Total Compensation: $[Enter Amount] - Payment Window: Payment must be finalized on or before the 30th day following invoicing. 4. CA CIVIL CODE PENALTIES: - Late payments trigger statutory double damages under CA SB 988. Client explicitly acknowledges that unauthorized usage of copy during a payment default may incur additional copyright infringement liabilities.
Pricing
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Is it legal for a client to change payment terms after work is complete?
- No. Unilateral modification of payment terms after work is performed violates both contract law and California SB 988 if no written amendment was agreed upon.
- What if the original agreement was verbal?
- Verbal agreements are still enforceable in California, but harder to prove. SB 988 specifically requires written contracts for $250+ engagements to prevent exactly this scenario.
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Stop leaving money on the table.
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