Start with the specific disagreement
An agreed project exit should leave both parties able to explain what ended and what remains to do. Start with the current state of the work, then discuss payment and handover as separate items. A message saying “let’s leave it there” may not settle outstanding invoices, ownership or access. Put the proposed closing steps into a short list for review.
Work through the facts, one step at a time
Inventory the work and accounts
List finished outputs, drafts, source files, credentials and services involved. Identify which belong to which account and what the contract says about delivery. Do not assume every working file forms part of the agreed handover.
Reconcile payment and remaining tasks
Compare amounts paid with invoices, credits and any proposed adjustment. State whether the parties are discussing payment for completed work, a refund or a compromise. Include practical tasks such as removing access or transferring a project folder.
Confirm the closing sequence
Specify who sends what, who pays what and when each step happens. Identify unresolved rights or obligations for separate review. If the agreement changes after approval, both people should review the updated terms before signing.
What this can look like
A designer and client stop a branding project after the logo stage. They agree to discuss a logo export package, a final payment and removal of access to the client’s shared drive. Ownership of unused concepts is listed separately for clarification.
This is an invented scenario to explain the approach, not a customer result or a prediction of your outcome.
Records worth gathering
- Current deliverable inventory
- Invoices and payments
- Handover terms
- Account and access list
Keep originals and prepare copies of the relevant parts. Redact unrelated personal details before sharing. Explain any gaps in the record rather than filling them with assumptions.
Open a clearer conversation
Edits stay on this page and are lost when you leave. Nothing is sent automatically. This is a discussion starter, not a legal notice or settlement agreement.
Before you agree to the next step
File ownership, confidentiality and rights to use work can have lasting consequences. Seek independent advice where those terms are uncertain before agreeing to a release or transfer.
Put any proposed outcome into specific terms: who will act, what they will do, the amount if money is involved, and the date. Identify what remains unresolved. An invitation, a discussion and a signed agreement are different stages.
Does ending the project settle every dispute?
Only the terms and applicable law can establish that effect. Identify exactly which issues the proposed agreement addresses and which remain open, rather than relying on a vague statement that the project is closed.
A private place to prepare your side
SettleBetween provides private AI guidance for each person and a shared space to discuss approved information. You choose what to share and whether to agree. Availability depends on both parties’ locations and the dispute type.
Free to start. The case starter pays $79 only after both parties sign. The invited party never pays the agreement fee. See included access and pricing.
Prepare your side freeAI can make mistakes. This guide is practical preparation, not legal advice. Use appropriate official schemes or independent advice when needed. A discussion here does not pause external deadlines or guarantee payment.