Formatting of the original + translation or JUST translation - what is your responsibility as a translator?

Do you have to provide both or just the translation? I always try to be clear about it in the very beginning with my clients and ask straightforwardly - will there be any special formatting requirements, because if there are any, then I`ll have to charge extra. Somehow, a lot of clients think that if they hire a translator, they automatically hire an editor and proofreader. It is not so and who knows this better than us, translators? All the major translation companies have both but small size businesses are trying to economize on editing expenses. Therefore, I always state in my response, that I provide basic formatting, nothing else. Also, occasionally I run into a bit of misunderstanding, because the original`s layout is far from perfect and I keep it as it is in my translation but the client then asks me: why are there all these various indentations throughout the text, why the script and size are different? My answer is I worked directly into the original. All the complaints to the author of the source text, not to me.

On the importance of signing a written contract with the client...

Around two weeks I got contacted by a certain firm that needed a rather bulky translation performed with short turn-around time. So I agreed but (having had some bitter lessons throughout my translator`s career) and with some sixth sense whispering in me I knew I had to sign an agreement that would secure my rights and guarantee the payment. And yes, it came in handy, because after I sent the first half of the translation (never send the whole text because there is always a chance you will not see that money ever - and you cannot take every client to the small claims court, agree? It`s just not worth the time and effort), the client told me - "OK, now send us the other half- the remaining part and after we review it, we`ll send you the rest of the payment". But I said - "Nope, in the agreement it is clearly stated that the client sends the FULL amount and then the translator sends the rest of work". What could they do but agree to my terms?