Sending a contract is the formal "we are working together" moment. Here's the flow.
Where to send
Contracts → New contract, or from a client's Contracts tab.
The form
- Pick a client — connected or managed.
- Pick a template — must be an active template.
- Set the total fee — this fills the
total_feeplaceholder. - Set a "Sign by" date — the date you'd like it signed by.
- Require partner signature — this toggle appears only for connected clients (managed clients sign through a single browser link, so there's no second in-app signer).
- Send.
What happens when you send
- Cradled emails the client a signing link:
cradledapp.com/sign/<token>. - The contract status moves to Sent.
- A Contract pending action badge appears on the client's card.
- For connected clients, a pending-contract card appears in their Care tab with an in-app signing flow.
What the client sees
Connected client (mobile app): a card noting you've sent an agreement, with a tap-to-sign button. The signing screen shows the full contract and asks them to type their full legal name and draw a signature, then confirm.
Any client (email link): the same signing page in a browser at cradledapp.com/sign/<token> — no login needed. As on mobile, they type their legal name and draw a signature to sign.
Partner signature
The Require partner signature option is available for connected clients, where both signers sign in the app. Note that the browser signing link marks a contract Signed as soon as the first person signs it — co-signing over the public web link isn't supported, so use the in-app flow when you need a partner co-signature.
If the client hasn't signed yet
Resend the email from the contract detail page, or copy the signing link and share it through any other channel.
Cancelling a sent contract
If the engagement falls through or terms change, click Cancel on the contract — the signing link stops working. Create a new contract if needed.