What are my options if a client cancels a project after I’ve started?

Many contracts spell out how cancellations work. This includes whether deposits are non-refundable, what fees apply if a client cancels, and what happens to work already completed. If your contract says you can keep part of the payment, you may be entitled to do so.

If the client cancels without following the contract terms, that might count as a breach. In that case, you may be able to request payment for completed work or for losses you've already taken on.

Even without a written contract, you may still be able to recover the reasonable value of your work under legal theories like quantum meruit or unjust enrichment, though these claims are usually harder to prove.

To prevent problems in the future, stick to written agreements that include clear cancellation and payment policies — and consider requiring a deposit upfront.

What to consider in your specific situation

While these guidelines apply broadly, your outcome may depend on several details.

• The wording of your contract's cancellation or refund clauses.
• Whether a deposit was paid and if it's labeled "non-refundable".
• The amount of work already completed or materials purchased.
• Applicable state or local laws around contract cancellations.
• Communications or written approvals between you and the client.

Since every project is unique, you can use Rocket Copilot to get legal information about cancellations, or connect with a Legal Pro to learn more about your options.