>

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Contract & Payment Management

The Expertise Exchange (ExEx)

Draft for legal review

Purpose

ExEx provides a structured administrative framework for engagements so that scope, payment and completion expectations are clear before work begins.

Before work begins

Invoicing and payment

ExEx may administer invoicing and use an independent regulated payment-service provider or other lawful payment arrangement. ExEx should not describe its service as regulated escrow unless the eventual structure legally permits that description.

Milestones

Where milestone payments apply, the Engagement Schedule should define the evidence of completion, approval process and timing. A Client should raise a genuine objection promptly and identify what remains outstanding.

Payment to Expertise Partner

Following receipt of cleared funds and satisfaction of the agreed payment conditions, the amount due to the Expertise Partner will be remitted less any agreed ExEx fee, commission or other authorised deduction.

Disputed sums

Where permitted by the applicable payment arrangement, a genuinely disputed amount may be held back pending resolution. Undisputed amounts should not normally be withheld merely because another part of an engagement is disputed.

No guarantee

ExEx does not guarantee Client solvency or payment unless an express written payment-protection arrangement says otherwise. Any such protection must be separately approved and documented.