covering your back while going it alone...

Hello!

I'm a freelance designer that would like some advice on putting together some kind of 'contract' that I can present to new clients before I start working with them.

I don't want to scare anyone potential clients with a long list of legal obligations or clauses or anything like that... i just want to put something together that is very simple, very clear and will help cover me should anything become a bit 'awkward' if you know what I mean.

So far I havn't had any bad experiences with clients but I have heard a few stories where the designer basically got screwed. I don't want to become one of these tales of woe.

So has anyone got any ideas? what do you use? or where is a good place to go? I wouldn't mind seeing examples of what other people use in these situations

I've been freelancing for a couple of years now without anything like this to protect me so need to get it sorted!

thanks!

Jez