Party and signature checks are factual controls. The legal effect of a mismatch belongs with qualified counsel.

Key takeaways

  • Compare names and entity details with source records.
  • Identify the capacity in which each person signs.
  • Preserve evidence for authority and signature dates.

What to check

Compare buyer and seller names, entity suffixes, trust or estate references, mailing details, and signature blocks. Check whether the contract identifies a representative, attorney-in-fact, trustee, executor, manager, or other signing capacity.

Record the evidence

Index the contract page, organizational or estate records supplied for review, signature date, and any authority document. Do not treat a familiar name or email address as proof of authority.

Escalate uncertainty

Create an issue when names differ, a signature is missing, capacity is unclear, or authority evidence is incomplete. Route interpretation to the appropriate professional.