Board minutes authorising signature of a company document
Sole director resolution authorising signature of a company document
Generally speaking, this will depend on whether the document is a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. or another type of document:
for the difference between the two, see Q&A 4;
for most documents other than Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land., see Q&A 7; and
if the document is a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., see Q&A 8.
No, with exceptions for specific types of agreement (such as Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land. and (1) In the context of debt, contracts under which one person agrees to pay the debtor's debts if the debtor cannot pay themselves. (2) In the context of sale of goods, promises to a customer which are given freely (without charging extra money) that the goods they are buying will meet certain standards, and if they do not the person making the promise will do something to make up for that (eg give a refund, or repair or replace the goods). which must be in writing and The formal completion of a document. in a particular way).
Most agreements do not have to be signed and if straightforward an exchange of emails can be enough to amount to something which is legally binding between two or more parties.
However, for anything other than a straightforward agreement, it is suggested that a physical signing is preferable in helping to make everyone think about what they are agreeing to before they sign rather than when it may be too late.
No.
With exceptions (principally Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land. and (1) In the context of debt, contracts under which one person agrees to pay the debtor's debts if the debtor cannot pay themselves. (2) In the context of sale of goods, promises to a customer which are given freely (without charging extra money) that the goods they are buying will meet certain standards, and if they do not the person making the promise will do something to make up for that (eg give a refund, or repair or replace the goods)., see Q&A 2), for most types of contract it is possible for individuals to enter into legally binding agreements on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. orally, without the need to to reduce them to writing. However, it is strongly recommended to record any agreement in writing to ensure that everyone is clear about what is agreed and to avoid dispute in the future.
A A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. is a formal document which:
must be in writing;
is legally required for certain matters such as the transfer of land and the grant of a A legal document that gives a person authority to take decisions and sign documents on behalf of another person. (see Q&A 5); and
must be The formal completion of a document. in a particular way to be valid (see Q&A 8).
Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land. are required by law for serious matters such as:
the transfer of land; and
where a A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. authorises someone as its attorney to To formally complete a document. a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. on its behalf (called a A legal document that gives a person authority to take decisions and sign documents on behalf of another person., see Q&A 11).
This will usually, although not always, be your A collective name for the directors of a company. The board is usually the primary day-to-day decision-making body of a company.although there may be specific requirements if you have entered into a An agreement entered into between the shareholders of a company which regulates the relationship between the shareholders and governs how the company is run..
You should first check your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. 's Also referred to as articles of association, a company’s articles are the main body of rules which govern how the company regulates its internal affairs (subject to certain overriding legal requirements). Important matters addressed in the articles include the division of powers between directors and shareholders, the composition and operation of the board of directors, matters relating to the holding and conduct of directors’ and shareholders’ meetings, and provisions relating to the transfer of shares., and if you have one An agreement entered into between the shareholders of a company which regulates the relationship between the shareholders and governs how the company is run..
If your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. has the The standard, default articles of association that a company can use. Articles set the rules that company officers must follow when running the company.:
for most documents other than Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land., your A collective name for the directors of a company. The board is usually the primary day-to-day decision-making body of a company.will have authority to decide who should sign a A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. document (see Q&A 7);
for Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land., your A collective name for the directors of a company. The board is usually the primary day-to-day decision-making body of a company.will have to follow the strict requirements on how your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. must To formally complete a document. these to be valid (see Q&A 8);
your A collective name for the directors of a company. The board is usually the primary day-to-day decision-making body of a company.can delegate any of its powers by A decision made by the directors at a board meeting or in writing. , meaning that:
it can authorise anyone, not just a The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. , to sign most documents on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. other than Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land.;
it can authorise anyone under A legal document that gives a person authority to take decisions and sign documents on behalf of another person., which itself must be The formal completion of a document. as a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., to sign Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land.;
it can authorise someone else to decide who signs a document on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. ; and
if you have a An agreement entered into between the shareholders of a company which regulates the relationship between the shareholders and governs how the company is run., you may also need the prior approval of one or more In relation to a company limited by shares, means persons whose names have been entered in the register of members of that company as shareholders in that company. and there may be restrictions on who can sign particular documents.
In practice, other parties you are dealing with may expect a The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. to sign, usually to give them confidence that a A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. document has been properly approved, even if there is no strict need for this to happen.
You can use one of the following template board Formal decisions made by the directors or members of a company, which bind the company once passed. to authorise signature of a document, which is not a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., by an individual on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. :
for minutes of a A meeting of a company's directors., you can use Board minutes authorising signature of a company document;
for a A decision of a company's directors, taken by all directors unanimously indicating their agreement in writing to the decision or resolution in question. Most commonly, this is achieved by the circulation and signing of a hard-copy written resolution., you can use Written board resolution authorising signature of a company document. Note this A decision of a company's directors, taken by all directors unanimously indicating their agreement in writing to the decision or resolution in question. Most commonly, this is achieved by the circulation and signing of a hard-copy written resolution. will only be passed once it is signed by all your The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. ; and
if your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. has only one The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. , you can use Sole director resolution authorising signature of a company document.
See Board and shareholder decisions for more guidance on how to go about making A collective name for the directors of a company. The board is usually the primary day-to-day decision-making body of a company.decisions.
You do not have to delegate power by A decision made by the directors at a board meeting or in writing. . It is possible to authorise people to sign documents on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. less formally, for example in the terms of the individual's contract of appointment or employment.
It is possible for a person to have authority to sign for your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. implied from their role within your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. and the circumstances in which they are signing. However, it is better to expressly authorise people if practicable so that there can be no room for doubt or dispute as to what they can and cannot do.
For the consequences and your options if someone has signed a document for your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. without proper authorisation, see Q&A 17 and following.
See Q&A 4 and Q&A 5 for the difference between Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land. and other documents.
It is reasonably straightforward to sign most types of document for your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. (see Q&A 8):
There is no legal requirement to have your signature witnessed;
There is no legal requirement that more than one person has to sign on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales.
There is no legal requirement that all parties to a contract sign the same document; you can each sign and exchange a A duplicate of a contract, agreement or other legal document. (see Q&A 10).
It is good practice for any signatory to specify the capacity in which they sign, although not essential.
You can sign the contract electronically if you wish. An electronic signature is broadly defined and can include using a scanned version of your handwritten signature, typing your name in the relevant place or a more complex and secure use of a web-based e-signature platform.
It is suggested that you date the document although this is not strictly necessary. Any date you insert should be the date of signing.
Backdating a legal document can mislead other people about the date from which your document was actually effective and can potentially constitute a criminal offence. If you want an agreement to take effect from an earlier date than you are signing it, it is much safer to include provision in its terms to say so.
Note that, if you wish, there is no problem with signing a straightforward contract in a more formal manner than legally required.
For how to To formally complete a document. a written contract that is a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., see Q&A 8. For when your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. needs to To formally complete a document. a document as a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., see Q&A 5.
If a document is a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., it must meet certain strict requirements beyond a simple signature in order to be legally binding (also known as The formal completion of a document. of the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers.). See Q&A 5 as to when a document must be The formal completion of a document. as a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers..
The two most common ways in which your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. can validly To formally complete a document. a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. are:
The signature of either (i) two The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. , or (ii) one The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. and your Generally, a person or another company responsible for a company's administration, arranging board and shareholder meetings, keeping proper records, filing documents at Companies House etc. Sometimes known as Head of Governance. (if you have one)
If the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. requires a date with the signatures, you must ensure that the date of signing is given. Backdating a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. can mislead others about when it became effective and can potentially constitute a criminal offence such as the giving of false statements by The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. . If you want an agreement to take effect from an earlier date than you are signing it, it is much safer to include provision in its terms to say so.
It is generally accepted practice that such a signature can be an electronic signature, eg a scanned version of the signature page that you have printed and signed.
There are limited exceptions which require a handwritten signature on a hard copy. The most common are:
a stock transfer form that requires stamping by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. The government authority which oversees tax and customs.; and
any transfer, lease, A loan (usually to an individual or individuals) to purchase a property, which is secured on the property. or charge requiring filing at the The statutory body which runs the official Land Register, on which the registration of all land is stored. or Land Charges Registry.
The signature of a The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. in the presence of a witness who attests the signature
For details of who can be a witness and how they attest a signature, see Q&A 14.
As with (a) above, the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. can usually be signed electronically and if it requires a date with the signatures, you must ensure that the date of signing is given to avoid the risk of committing a criminal offence.
If unusually (especially if your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. was set up in the last few years) your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. has a seal, see Q&A 9.
You can also authorise someone to To formally complete a document. a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. under A legal document that gives a person authority to take decisions and sign documents on behalf of another person. and another way of signing the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. may also be available. Executing a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. this way is not covered here; if you plan to do so you should get expert legal advice. For access to a specialist lawyer in a few simple steps, you can use our Ask a Lawyer service.
Your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. can choose which one of the above methods to use.
This is a lot more unusual than using signatures.
Your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. is not required to have a seal and if you have one you are not required to use it.
If, unusually, you have one, it must be legibly engraved with your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. name. (If it is not, your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. and any In a company: A legally defined term used to refer to the director, company secretary or managers of a company. Officers of a company have certain duties and responsibilities towards the company and can be held liable for company law breaches. responsible commits an offence, punishable by a fine).
Before using your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. seal, check your The main rules on how a company is run. The articles include rules on the division of powers between directors and shareholders, the composition and operation of the board of directors and how directors’ and shareholders’ meetings are held.for any provisions about how you must use it. For example, if you have the The standard, default articles of association that a company can use. Articles set the rules that company officers must follow when running the company.:
you can only use your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. 's common seal with the authority of your The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. (who can decide how the seal is used); and
unless the The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. decide otherwise, any document which uses the seal must also be signed by at least one The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. , Generally, a person or another company responsible for a company's administration, arranging board and shareholder meetings, keeping proper records, filing documents at Companies House etc. Sometimes known as Head of Governance. or other person who the A collective name for the directors of a company. The board is usually the primary day-to-day decision-making body of a company.has authorised, in the presence of a witness who must also sign.
For the consequences of failing to To formally complete a document. a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. properly, see Q&A 20.
Yes. If a document requires signature by multiple people, it is not generally necessary for all of them to sign the same physical document. In most cases, it is possible for a document to be signed in A duplicate of a contract, agreement or other legal document.. This simply means that each signatory has signed their own copy of the final document. This approach is commonly used on corporate transactions or agreements where the signatories are in multiple different physical locations.
If signing a document in A duplicate of a contract, agreement or other legal document., it is important to ensure that each A duplicate of a contract, agreement or other legal document. is completely identical in form, to avoid any disputes about the terms of the document in question. The practice of signing separate signature pages before the final version of the agreement has been produced in not recommended and may result in the document being invalid.
Note that, if there is more than one person to sign for each party (eg if you are executing a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. by having two The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. sign it), they should sign the same copy.
A A legal document that gives a person authority to take decisions and sign documents on behalf of another person. has a particular form. You cannot grant it informally, eg by letter, as it will not be legally effective; it must be The formal completion of a document. as a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers..
Any document which contains a A legal document that gives a person authority to take decisions and sign documents on behalf of another person. should also be The formal completion of a document. as a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. for the A legal document that gives a person authority to take decisions and sign documents on behalf of another person. to be valid.
If you are planning to To formally complete a document. a A legal document that gives a person authority to take decisions and sign documents on behalf of another person., it is suggested you get expert legal advice. For access to a specialist lawyer in a few simple steps, you can use our Ask a Lawyer service.
If your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. enters into a (1) In the context of debt, a contract where someone agrees to pay if the debtor cannot pay themselves. (2) In the context of sale of goods, a promise to a customer which is given freely (without charging extra money) that the goods they are buying will meet certain standards, and if they do not the person making the promise will do something to make up for that (eg give a refund, or repair or replace the goods)., it will agree to be responsible for an obligation of someone else to a A person who is not directly involved in an existing relationship, transaction or dispute; for example, someone who is not a named party in a contract..
To be legally valid, a (1) In the context of debt, a contract where someone agrees to pay if the debtor cannot pay themselves. (2) In the context of sale of goods, a promise to a customer which is given freely (without charging extra money) that the goods they are buying will meet certain standards, and if they do not the person making the promise will do something to make up for that (eg give a refund, or repair or replace the goods). given by your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. must be:
either in writing or evidenced by a written note or memorandum; and
signed by your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. .
A witness to the signing of a legal document for your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. will only be required by law where only one of your The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. signs a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. (see Q&A 8).
You may also have internal A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. procedures requiring signatures to be attested in other situations, such as if your The main rules on how a company is run. The articles include rules on the division of powers between directors and shareholders, the composition and operation of the board of directors and how directors’ and shareholders’ meetings are held.stipulate an additional, witnessed, signature in the event that you use your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. 's common seal (the The standard, default articles of association that a company can use. Articles set the rules that company officers must follow when running the company. require this).
There is no problem with you having signatures witnessed in circumstances where it is not legally required.
For guidance on how to have a signature witnessed, see Q&A 14.
Anyone can witness a signature, apart from one of the signatories to the document itself or anyone who will chiefly benefit from it.
EXAMPLE: if one The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. is signing a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., a second The directors of a company are the individuals who make up the company's board of directors. Directors may be natural persons or companies, but each company must have at least one director who is a natural person. The board is the main decision-making body of the company. of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. can attest their signature.
It is also common for solicitors, accountants or other advisers to witness signatures, but there is no legal reason why you cannot have any friend, family member or An individual hired personally to work under a contract of employment, usually in exchange for payment. Employees are normally fully integrated into the business and the employer exercises a large degree of control over their work. do so. It is best to choose someone who you will not lose track of in future and will make a credible and reliable witness should the need arise.
The proper process is:
the witness must be present when the person or people whose signatures they are attesting sign the document; and
the witness must actually see them sign.
Additionally, you may wish to require the witness to give details of their address and occupation to ensure that they are easier to find in future if there is an issue. This is not legally required, but is good practice.
If you do not follow the proper process for witnessing a signature on a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. will not be properly The formal completion of a document. and may not be valid.
Yes.
If the alterations are agreed with the other parties to the document, you will not affect its validity by hand amending it before you sign, although it is good practice to amend a typed document properly and reprint with your changes if practicable before signing.
If it is not convenient to amend and reprint, ensure that any hand amendments are initialled by all parties so there can be no doubt later on.
This will depend on the terms of the document you have signed, the nature of the change you are making and whether or not it is a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers..
For most types of document other than Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land., altering the terms will involve notifying the other party of any proposed change and confirming their consent in writing. This will also depend on the terms of the document, which you should review carefully before doing anything else.There will usually be a A provision or section. Usually in a contract. which sets out how any changes to the terms should be agreed. You should ensure you follow this A provision or section. Usually in a contract. to make any alterations to the document.
For a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., as a general rule another A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. will be required to make any alteration to the agreed terms. The precise mechanism for amending a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. will depend on the terms of the original document. You should review the terms of the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. and, if in any doubt, seek separate legal advice. For access to a specialist lawyer in a few simple steps, you can use our Ask a Lawyer service.
This depends on whether or not the document is a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers..
If the document is a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., it may be invalid and of no effect; see Q&A 21. If the document is not a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers., see Q&A 20.
If someone who is not properly authorised has signed documents on your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. 's behalf, your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. can still be bound by them.
Broadly, if the unauthorised signatory was presented by your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. as someone who could sign a document on its behalf, and the other parties involved relied on that, the unauthorised person's signature will bind your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. .
EXAMPLE: if you allow a person to use a business card giving them status as a part of your business, you will be bound by anything they sign within the usual scope of that role, even if you have not properly authorised them to do so.
It is best to include your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. 's name to make it clear. If you have not, it will depend on the circumstances as to whether what you signed is binding on you personally or your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. .
See Q&A 19 for when your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. will be bound by a document even though the signatory does not include the A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. name.
It can be – it will depend on the circumstances.
Generally, if it has been made clear that the person signing is authorised and acting on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. throughout any negotiations, your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. is likely to be bound by it (even if the contract is not explicitly signed 'for and on behalf of' your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. ). Remember that your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. can be bound even if the person signing was not actually authorised, if you have presented them to the other parties to the contract as having authority to do so.
If the signatory does nothing to suggest they act on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. and the contract makes no reference to the A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. or its name, it is unlikely that your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. will be bound by it.
This can be a complex and technical area of law, and the validity of any signature on a contract will turn on the specific facts. If you have concerns regarding whether a contract is binding, you can use our Ask a Lawyer service for access to expert legal advice in a few simple steps.
For most documents, no particular legal formalities are required for you to enter into them.
Unauthorised signature
If someone who is not properly authorised has signed a document on your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. 's behalf, your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. can still be bound by it. Broadly, if the unauthorised signatory was presented by your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. as someone who could sign a document on its behalf, and the other parties involved relied on that, the unauthorised person's signature will bind your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. .
EXAMPLE: if you allow a person to use a business card giving them status as a part of your business, you will be bound by anything they sign within the usual scope of that role, even if you have not properly authorised them to do so.
Not signed
Even if a document has a place for a signature but has not been signed on behalf of your A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. , it could still be binding if, for example, everyone has simply proceeded to as if they are bound by the document.
If a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. is not The formal completion of a document. properly (for example, if you do not have the relevant signatures witnessed), it can render the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. invalid. Although note that you will not necessarily be able to rely on your own failure to do things properly in order to get out a A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. if it was not obvious to the other parties that there had been a problem.
Formal documents which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg transferring land. are more complex than other A private company limited by shares incorporated and registered in England and Wales. documents and legal advice is sensible if you are concerned that you may not be bound by one due to problems with its The formal completion of a document.. For access to a specialist lawyer in a few simple steps, you can use our Ask a Lawyer service. It is not necessarily always best to re-To formally complete a document. the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. correctly as the date it takes effect can be legally important.
You cannot re-To formally complete a document. the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. correctly and backdate it to correct a date in signing. By doing so, you may mislead others as to the date the A formal document which must be signed, witnessed, and delivered to the intended recipient (as well as saying that they are deeds). Some transactions must be done by deed, eg land transfers. actually became effective, which can constitute a criminal offence.