John:

I’ve completed projects with several companies outside the US. Unless the project is very large, you have no recourse if they choose not to pay. You must evaluate the people you are working with. Make sure your are comfortable with them owing you money. I always structure the contract to have an initial payment and minimize the amount owed. I do this even with most US companies. If the company cannot pay a deposit to get started, then they are not to be trusted. If they don’t trust you with their money, don’t trust them with yours.

Hiring a lawyer to craft a contract will not improve your chances of getting paid. If you are worried about other areas of the law, such as not violating some religious laws, you are probably better off asking the client. I have never used a lawyer in my international contracts. I spend a lot of time getting to know the people.