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How to Sign Documents Correctly: Legal Validity of Signatures and Common Mistakes

The preparation of legally significant documents requires utmost precision. Even a well-drafted contract may lose its validity if the signature is executed in violation of the established procedure. According to Professor Gabriel Steiner, many legal disputes arise not due to differences between the parties, but as a result of formal errors during the signing process. That is why at LawConsulted, considerable attention is paid to signature verification – from confirming legal capacity to ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

The first factor to consider is whether the person signing the document has proper legal authority. Conflicts often arise when a signature is placed by an employee or representative without the appropriate legal rights. At LawConsulted, we recommend predefining responsibility areas, issuing powers of attorney and regularly verifying their validity, especially when there are management changes or restructuring.

The second common mistake is incorrect signature placement or improper format. Missing name clarification, signing outside the designated area, or using an uncertified electronic signature can result in the document being rejected or the agreement declared invalid. Our lawyers note that accurate document execution is equally as important as the agreement’s content.

The third high-risk situation occurs when a document is signed without prior review of all its terms. Regardless of the level of trust between the parties, a signature confirms legal acceptance of the document. At LawConsulted, we train executives and key personnel to view signing not as the final step, but as a confirmation of legal responsibility. As Professor Steiner says, even a single imprecise phrase can have long-term consequences for a business.

At Law Consulted, the signing of documents is treated as the final stage of legal due diligence – not as a formality. Before agreements are approved, we assess potential risks, review counterparties and determine whether the terms of the contract genuinely protect the client’s interests. This approach ensures not only the legal validity of the document but also the safety of future business relations. Legal precision becomes a guarantee of business stability – and we demonstrate this daily through our practice.

Previously, we wrote about how to choose a lawyer and why more and more clients trust their case to LawConsulted