Is termination for cause and cure period normal in a design services agreement?

A design services agreement should give both sides a 15-30 day cure period before termination for cause, and should confirm that fees already earned are still owed on termination. No cure period, or a one-sided one, lets a minor issue become a reason not to pay.

What’s market-standard

Either party may terminate for material breach if the breach is not cured within 15-30 days of written notice describing it. Non-payment often has a shorter cure period (5-10 days).

Warning signs

• Client may terminate for cause immediately with no cure period
• Freelancer's non-payment remedy has a long cure period but client's termination rights have none
• 'Material breach' undefined, so any deviation qualifies
• Termination for cause forfeits fees already earned

Wording you can send

Either party may terminate for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within 30 days after written notice describing the breach in reasonable detail (10 days for payment breaches). Termination does not relieve the Client of the obligation to pay for work performed before the effective date.

What it means for you

The right to end the contract because the other side breached it, usually after a chance to fix the problem ('cure period'). Without a cure period, a minor, fixable slip can be used as grounds to terminate and withhold payment.

Not legal advice. Gig Clause is software, not a law firm or a professional service, no attorney reviews, drafts, or is otherwise involved in anything it produces. It automatically highlights common contract issues and suggests negotiation language. Using it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For decisions with significant financial or legal consequences, consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Clause standards vary by industry and location and change over time.