How to Sign a Legal Contract
A legal contract is used to specify an agreement to do or not to do something between two or more parties. Often a legal contract is used to specify the terms of a sale, such as a real estate contract. For a contract to considered legal, all parties must be of sound mind and body and be acting in “good faith” when the agreement is reached. A well-written legal contract protects all parties in the event a dispute arises. By signing a legal contract, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions.
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Instructions
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Receive a copy of the contract before you sign it. Make sure you have ample time to review the terms and understand what is expected of each party.
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Provide proper identification. Since the majority of legal contracts require a notary seal to be considered binding, the notary requires a legal form of identification with a photo, such as a driver’s license or identification card.
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Use your full, legal name when signing a contract. Your legal name must match what is listed on your proof of identification.
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Sign on the line provided for you. Make sure you use the correct line, such as purchaser instead of seller. Use a written signature and do not print unless a separate line is provided for your printed name. Add a date to the contract. Generally, a legal document has a place for a typed or written date. Make sure this section is completed.
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Request a copy of any legal contract or document after you sign it. Since a document can not legally be changed after it is signed unless all parties are notified and initial the changes, you should receive the final copy. No changes are then allowed without notification and initialing.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact a legal representative if you do not understand a portion of a legal contract. Do not sign any contract without full knowledge of what you are signing.
References
- Photo Credit contract 20309 image by pablo from Fotolia.com
