Do I have to sign a contract after the fact to be paid for the work I've done?

Question

Do I have to sign a contract after the fact to be paid for the work I've done?

Anonymous May 22, 2013 6 views 2 answers

I started doing work for a business before signing a contract. The work was intended to be part of a greater work where I'd be doing ongoing work as described in the MOU that I did sign. The work done to date is not covered in the MOU, and now the owner of the company has decided not to work with me. The MOU covers work from the launch of the website forward. The owner requested an invoice, but has refused to pay until I sign an IC agreement. Additionally, the owner wants to deduct expenses that he paid (i.e. food he bought me, gas he put in my car) while doing business with me. (He does not have a car so we used my vehicle to conduct business.) Can he withhold my money without me signing? Does he have a right to deduct these expenses when that is something we never discussed?

Celia Reed · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T10:43:39+00:00

No, you don't have to sign a contract after the fact, nor can the owner impose conditions that were not agreed upon, like the deductions for gas. Depending on the amount in question, you can take him to small claims court, or you can agree to alternate dispute resolution, rather than go to court.

Paige Kurtz · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T10:43:39+00:00

No. Contracts do not have to be in writing to be binding. However, it does help prove your case if it is in writing. Otherwise it is your word against theirs. One party cannot unilaterally modify the contract after the fact or add additional terms.

Do I have to sign a contract after the fact to be paid for the work I've done?

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