A signature is a person's name written in their own handwriting. It serves as a formal indication of acceptance of a contract or agreement. In some jurisdictions, a signature can also include a mark made by someone who cannot write, accompanied by their printed name and a witness's signature. This makes signatures an essential element in legal documents, often referred to as subscriptions.
Signatures are widely used in various legal contexts, including:
Users can manage many signature-related tasks themselves using legal templates from US Legal Forms, which are drafted by licensed attorneys.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person signs a lease agreement for an apartment, indicating their acceptance of the rental terms.
Example 2: An individual who cannot write uses a thumbprint as a signature on a legal document, with a witness signing to confirm the identity. (hypothetical example)
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Signature Requirements |
|---|---|
| California | Allows electronic signatures under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. |
| New York | Requires handwritten signatures for certain documents, like wills. |
| Texas | Accepts digital signatures for most contracts but requires specific formats for real estate documents. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Initials | Abbreviated form of a person's name. | Initials may not indicate full acceptance of a document. |
| Mark | A symbol used by someone who cannot write. | A mark requires a witness to validate the person's identity. |
If you need to provide a signature for a legal document:
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