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What Constitutes a Legal Document?

Thursday, April 09, 2009
Related Tags: document | procedure | binding | signature | parties
 

Instructions

Legally Binding

  • Step 1:
    In essence, the word "legal" means "binding." A document is legal if the parties are held accountable to its contents.

State vs. Federal

  • Step 1:
    Drafting a legal document isn't a "one size fits all" procedure. What is legal in one state may not hold up in another, and federal laws come into play as well.

Formality

  • Step 1:
    A formal seal or signature is not always necessary. In contract law, many transactions need merely an offer and acceptance.

Check with the Courts

  • Step 1:
    There are instances where a legal seal or signature is required; specific documents carry legal procedure (court orders, loan papers, for example).

Enforcement

  • Step 1:
    The legality of a document governs it's enforceability. Failure to follow court procedure can render a document null and void.

Intentions

  • Step 1:
    The intention of the parties must be clear. Even if a document is signed and sealed, it's only legal if all parties understand what they are signing.

What Constitutes a Legal Document? Provided by eHow.com
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