Yes, if your contract says your signed rate is in effect till Sept 2013, then that is the rate you pay till then. Also, I think the increase is to great. Given the economy and the competitive nature of our industry, I would have done this increase over at least two maybe three years. It depends on where you live of course, but still she shouldn't hit her clients with over an 11% increase. I have been charging the same rate for 3 years and I will increase my rates 2.5% in the new year.