Contract Addendum

Contract Addendum: Change an Agreement Without Starting Again

A contract addendum is a short document that changes or adds to an existing contract. Instead of drafting a new agreement, the parties sign an addendum recording exactly what is changing and when, and confirming that the rest of the original contract still applies. It works for almost any kind of contract, from service and supply agreements to leases and loans. Robot Lawyer drafts the addendum from your answers, for the law of the country or state you choose. On the Verified plan, a legal professional checks it before you sign.

CONTENTS

What Is a Contract Addendum?

Contracts often need to change after they are signed: a price goes up, the work grows, a deadline moves or the term is extended. A contract addendum records those changes in writing, signed by the same parties as the original contract, so there is no doubt about what was agreed.

People use "addendum" and "amendment" in slightly different ways. Strictly, an addendum adds new terms and an amendment changes existing ones, but in practice the terms are often used interchangeably. Robot Lawyer's addendum covers both, and each change is set out as a numbered clause referring to the original contract.

When Do You Need One?

• Changing the price or payment terms
  Updating fees, rates or payment dates.
• Extending or shortening the term
  Continuing a contract beyond its end date, or bringing the end date forward.
• Changing the scope
  Adding or removing services, products, deliverables or obligations.
• Updating key details
  Changing addresses, contacts, deadlines or service levels.
• Adding new terms
  Adding a new clause, such as data protection, confidentiality or a new schedule.

What's Included in Your Addendum?

• Identification of the original contract
  Its name, purpose and the date it was signed.
• Amendment number
  Which amendment this is, if the contract has been amended before.
• The parties
  All parties to the original contract.
• The changes
  Each change, set out clearly against the original contract.
• Effective date
  When the changes take effect.
• Continuation
  Confirmation that the rest of the original contract continues unchanged.
• Interpretation
  Which wording applies if the addendum and the original contract conflict.
• Signatures
  Signature blocks for every party.

Getting the Changes Right

• Check the original contract
  Many contracts say how they can be changed, for example only in writing signed by all parties. Follow that process.
• Get everyone to sign
  Every party to the original contract usually needs to sign the addendum.
• Be precise
  Refer to the clause numbers you are changing, and quote the new wording where you can.
• Watch the dates
  If the contract is about to expire, sign the addendum before it ends, or make clear that the contract continues without a break.
• Check formalities
  If the original contract was signed as a deed or needs to be registered, the addendum may need the same formalities.

How It Works on Robot Lawyer

1. Answer the questions
   Tell us about the original contract, the parties, the changes and when they take effect.
2. Generate your addendum
   We draft a clear addendum that links each change to the original contract, under the law you choose.
3. Get it verified
   On the Verified plan, a qualified legal professional checks your addendum within 24 hours and makes amendments where needed. See how our documents are verified.
4. Sign it
   All parties sign the addendum and keep it with the original contract.

How It Works in Different Countries

• UK
  A change to a contract generally needs the agreement of all parties and, unless it is signed as a deed, something of value given in return, although a mutual change in terms usually satisfies this.
• United States
  Most states still expect changes to be supported by consideration, and changes to contracts that must be in writing, such as land contracts, usually need to be in writing too.
• Ireland, Canada and Australia
  The same general principles apply: all parties agree, the changes are clear, and any formalities in the original contract are followed.

These notes are general. Check the original contract and the law that applies before signing.

Contract Addendum FAQs

What is the difference between an addendum and an amendment?

An addendum traditionally adds something new to a contract, and an amendment changes existing terms. Many people use the words interchangeably, and our addendum can do both.

Does a contract addendum need to be signed by everyone?

Usually, yes. All parties to the original contract should sign, otherwise the changes may not bind the party who didn't sign.

Which law applies to an addendum?

Usually the same law as the original contract. Choose the same country or state as the original contract unless you have a good reason to change it.

Can an addendum change a contract that has expired?

It is better to sign before the contract ends. If it has already expired, the addendum can record that the contract continues without interruption, but you should take advice if the gap is long or something happened in between.

What happens if the addendum and the original contract conflict?

The addendum normally says that its wording takes priority for the matters it covers, and that the rest of the original contract continues unchanged.

Can I use this addendum outside the UK?

Yes. Your addendum is drafted under the law of the country or state you choose. Our lawyers are qualified in England and Wales and check documents for good practice, clear formatting and the law of England and Wales. They are not qualified in other countries' law, so if your addendum is governed by another country's law, we recommend having a local lawyer check it too.

Create a Contract Addendum

Record your changes clearly and keep the rest of your contract intact. You can start with a 7-day free trial. See our pricing for the plans. Related documents: Variation Agreement, Heads of Terms, Service Agreement and Non-Disclosure Agreement.