Business contracts: How to add a signature to pdf and other

How to add a signature to pdf

When you are involved in a contract, you must understand the terms and conditions of the negotiation, such as compliance with state and federal laws, mediation, and arbitration clauses. You also need to understand technical things like how to sign a word document, how to add a signature to pdf, etc.

PDF is a file format that is commonly used for making various documents. The document will not be valid until it is signed. But how to sign a PDF document?

 In principle, there are a few simple steps for this:

 1. Open your PDF file through Acrobat Reader

 2. Click on Fill and Sign (on the Tools panel)

 3. Click Sign and add Signature

 4. You will see a pop-up appear, offering three options. Select an option and end with Apply

 5. You can resize, drag and position your signature on any part of the document

It is worth mentioning that the legal repercussions of individual transactions and services can extend for years or even decades after the transaction has occurred. For these and other reasons, you need to put your focus to contract life cycle management. And since the stages of this cycle start with pre-contracting and contracting, which includes creating and drafting the document, we have selected 6 tips for this phase to be successful. 

1. You need to identify the objectives of the contract. In this first stage of the contract life cycle, it is essential to be aware of the reasons that are leading you and your business partner to conclude a contract. This step addresses questions that seem obvious, but need to be answered. What are the requirements that guide the contractual relationship? What is the need of the parties, and what needs to be fulfilled? The clearer the purpose, the higher the assurance that you will not be putting your company in a legal dispute in the future. Therefore, a good contract must define who is doing what, when, and by how much. 

2. Avoid ambiguity and be concise. As a standard rule, don’t include anything in a contract if you don’t know what it means. Keeping it simple is the best way to go. You need to understand that being comprehensive does not mean that it needs to be extensive and full of ineligible terms. Ambiguity not only promotes confusion and misinterpretation but also exposes you to legal risks. It is known that even a comma or a misplaced adverb can completely transform the meaning of a sentence and create controversy. And, you should remember, the longer the contract, the more likely it is to contain problems like errors and ambiguous language. Therefore, it is recommended to keep commitments as short as possible. 

3. It would be best if you drew up an outline with the collaboration of the other. It is important to note that a contract is not intended to create confusion with fine print, but rather to ensure that all parties have their full understanding. Together with your business partner, you must draft a document according to the needs and interests of both parties. That way, it will be easier to reduce misunderstandings during the execution of the contract. Before you start to write and even sign the contract, you will be able to get an outline of the points that are important to you and the other party. Again, you have to understand how to add signature to pdf.

4. You need to define the essential terms. The purpose of a contract is not only to understand the roles and responsibilities of both parties but also to be a legal device that protects the signatories as much as possible in the event of a lawsuit. Therefore, essential details such as project scope, deliveries, payment, schedule, and other contingencies must be decided by mutual agreement between you and your partner.

5. You need to create alternatives to litigation. Even if terms and clauses are agreed upon correctly, and in writing, there may be a situation that makes one of the parties want to close it ahead of schedule. So make clear the possible reasons for the termination and the ways and means of dealing with this type of dispute. Besides, it is recommended to create alternatives to litigation, such as mediation and arbitration, in the document itself. Finally, you should make sure that the terms of the contract do not conflict with the laws of the places where the contract will come into force and consider issues such as where the contract should be disputed and, if necessary, which law will govern the agreement. 

6. You need to work with pre-approved models. Most small or medium-sized companies do not need an exclusive contract for each transaction or commercial operation they establish. Many companies carry out transactions that are similar to each other and, therefore, may have some standardized contracts containing key terms and reviewed by an attorney. One of the reasons that can guarantee that your company is successful is to have well-drafted and revised contracts that protect your company. Since an agreement that details all aspects of the terms and conditions that apply to your business will put you in a more secure and competitive position.