Contract Amendment  

What Is an Amendment?

An Amendment is a formal change made to a contract after it’s been signed. Instead of rewriting or replacing the entire agreement, an amendment updates specific terms — such as timelines, deliverables, or payment amounts — while keeping the original contract in force.

Think of it as a legal “edit.” It references the original agreement and states exactly what is being added, removed, or changed. This keeps your contracts current, enforceable, and aligned with evolving business needs — without losing the original context or starting over.

Why Contract Amendments Matter

In business, needs evolve. The goals or deliverables may change, partnerships grow, technology and intellectual property shifts, or clients could request additional services. Without a signed written amendment, those updates are never formalized — which means they cannot be reinforced or enforced. That can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, or unenforceable terms.

An amendment:

• Ensures both parties agree to the new terms

• Creates a paper trail of changes

• Keeps your original contract valid and enforceable

It’s different from a new contract, which replaces the original entirely.

Real-World Example

A coaching client may sign on for a 3-month package. Midway through, she decides to extend for 2 more months and add a website design.

Instead of creating a new contract, you can amend (aka change) the original with an amendment:

“This Amendment dated July 10 modifies the original Coaching Agreement dated May 1 as follows…”

The amendment lists the new deliverables, the extended timeline, and the added fee. Both parties signed the amendment, and the original agreement remained intact — now updated with the new terms so everyone is on the same page.

Related Glossary Terms

• Contract

• Scope of Services

• Payment Terms

Last updated: June 2025.