E-signing with initials only

[NBA33]

NY

Can I sign a document that is legal contract simply by making my initials in the e-form?

Is that legal and binding?

[adjusterjack]

Re: E-signing with initials only

NY

Can I sign a document that is legal contract simply by making my initials in the e-form?

You can. But it's a bad idea if you are thinking it leaves you a way out of the contract.

Is that legal and binding?

It's binding. There will be a lot of evidence that it's you signing the contract if you try to get out of it by claiming that it's not your signature.

[goddessoflubboc]

Re: E-signing with initials only

Yes, you can. And it’s just as binding as if you signed your full name. I’ve actually recently had cause to look into this.

[chuanhing]

Re: E-signing with initials only

Yes,definitely you can do this binding

[Lexus]

Re: E-signing with initials only

An e-form (electronic form) is a computer program version of a paper form. An e-contract is an agreement created and "signed" in electronic form. An example is a contract that you write on your computer and email to a business associate and that the business associate emails back with an electronic signature indicating acceptance. Technically, the law states that electronic signatures are valid as long as the two parties involved agree to that method of signing. The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN) are pieces of legislation that deal with electronic signatures and digital security. E-SIGN is a federal law, whereas UETA is a state law. E-SIGN has been enacted by the federal government and it applies to the entire country including all the states. On the other hand, UETA is a state law and is in force in several states--but not all states enforce it. E-SIGN is the only law in some states. And in other states, both laws apply; however E-SIGN law is given preference. The state of New York (NY) has not adopted UETA. However, since 2000, electronic signatures have been legally binding in New York under the Electronic Signatures and Records Act (ESRA). An electronic signature is an electronic sound, symbol or process attached to or logically associated with an electronic record and adopted by a person as their signature. The ESRA provides that "signatures" made via electronic means will be legally binding just as hand-written signatures now are.