Are you thinking about setting up a virtual assistant business? If you are providing virtual services to clients, there are some legal documents you will need. This article explains the different legal documents that you need for setting up a virtual assistant business.
The first step is to work out who will be providing the virtual assistant services and what format your business will take:
- Will you be the virtual assistant yourself?
- Will you have employees working as virtual assistants?
- Will your website be a “marketplace” for clients to meet virtual assistants?
Client Agreement
The most important document you will need is the Client Agreement. This agreement sets out the legal relationship between your business and your client. It provides the client with the terms and conditions of your service. The clauses in this agreement will need to address what services you provide, the payment terms, and the termination of the Client Agreement. It should also include a dispute resolution clause and limitation of liability clause.You will want to make sure you and your business are protected as much as possible under the law.
It is also important that the Client Agreement addresses confidentiality.
Website Privacy Policy
You will most likely have a website for your business, which means you will need a Website Privacy Policy. Under Australian Privacy Law, you will need to tell the visitors to your website what you are going to do with the personal information that you collect from them.
Continue reading this article below the formWebsite Terms of Use
The Website Terms of Use relates to the content of your website and lets users know how they can use the information. It will deal with issues such as copyright and disclaimers.
Employment Contracts
If you are hiring staff for your business, either to work as virtual assistants or to assist with other aspects of your business, you will need Employment or Contractor Contracts. You will need to think about whether you are hiring employees or contractors, and have the appropriate Contract drafted for each worker.
Marketplace Terms & Conditions
If your business itself won’t be providing the virtual assistant services, but will be a platform for people to find virtual assistants, you will need Marketplace Terms & Conditions. There are two legal relationships involved in this type of arrangement; one with the users and one with the service providers. The Terms & Conditions will address the content of your website platform, and the content from the users and service providers. All parties will need to agree to the terms.
Conclusion
In providing virtual assistant services, you create a legal relationship with the clients. The legal relationship needs to be outlined in a well-drafted document to avoid ambiguity about the terms and conditions under which you provide the services. It is best to have a lawyer prepare these documents for you.
Unsure about which documents you will need for your business? Get in touch with us on 1300 544 755. LegalVision’s experienced online business lawyers would be delighted to assist you and answer any of your questions.
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