[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":486},["ShallowReactive",2],{"document-how-to-sign-a-contract-D12753":3},{"document":4,"label":23,"preview":11,"thumb":24,"thumb600":25,"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"apiDescription":5,"pages":8,"extension":10,"parents":26,"breadcrumb":30,"related":38,"customDescModule":173,"customdescription":6,"mdFm":174,"mdProseHtml":485},{"description":5,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":7,"pages":8,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":11,"thumb":12,"svgFrame":13,"seoMetadata":14,"parents":16,"keywords":15},"How to Sign a Contract Standard Operating Procedure Department: Various Purpose: The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure document is to guide you on how to properly sign any contract and be bound to the agreement by law. Frequency: When Required Procedure: Read the contract thoroughly. You need to make sure that the contract you are signing is the same one you have agreed upon, and to ensure this, it is essential to carefully review the agreement. You need to be certain that you know and comprehend the provisions of the contract. You will need to adhere to the contract once signed. Carefully date the contract. Be considerate when you date the contract. Dating an agreement will allow all those involved and legal parties to know when the regulations are in effect and when the agreement will be dissolved, if need be. Both parties should be signatory. It is far more safe to require both parties to sign legal documents together, and this should be stated in the contract. This forces the parties to be involved in all decision making and helps the prevention of unlawful practice. Additionally, ensure the contract won't be lawfully binding unless it is signed by both parties. ",null,"How to Sign a Contract","2",513,"doc","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/how-to-sign-a-contract-D12753.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12753.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12753.xml",{"title":15,"description":6},"how to sign a contract",[17,20],{"label":18,"url":19},"Business Plan Kit","/templates/business-plan-kit/",{"label":21,"url":22},"Business Procedures","/templates/business-procedures/","How to Sign a Contract Template","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/400px/12753.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/600px/12753.png",[27,17,20],{"label":28,"url":29},"Templates","/templates/",[31,32,35],{"label":28,"url":29},{"label":33,"url":34},"Legal Agreements","/templates/business-legal-agreements/",{"label":36,"url":37},"Terms & Warranties","/templates/terms-and-warranties/",[39,43,47,51,55,59,63,67,71,75,79,83,87,103,118,133,145,158],{"label":40,"url":41,"thumb":42,"extension":10},"How to Sign an NDA Agreement","/template/how-to-sign-an-nda-agreement-D12754","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12754.png",{"label":44,"url":45,"thumb":46,"extension":10},"How to Create a Contract","/template/how-to-create-a-contract-D12746","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12746.png",{"label":48,"url":49,"thumb":50,"extension":10},"How to Renew a Contract","/template/how-to-renew-a-contract-D12752","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12752.png",{"label":52,"url":53,"thumb":54,"extension":10},"How to Review a Supplier Contract","/template/how-to-review-a-supplier-contract-D12593","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12593.png",{"label":56,"url":57,"thumb":58,"extension":10},"Sign Company Business Plan","/template/sign-company-business-plan-D12057","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12057.png",{"label":60,"url":61,"thumb":62,"extension":10},"Audit Contract","/template/audit-contract-D13507","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13507.png",{"label":64,"url":65,"thumb":66,"extension":10},"Business Contract","/template/business-contract-D13818","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13818.png",{"label":68,"url":69,"thumb":70,"extension":10},"Catering Contract","/template/catering-contract-D12731","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12731.png",{"label":72,"url":73,"thumb":74,"extension":10},"Contract Addendum","/template/contract-addendum-D13172","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13172.png",{"label":76,"url":77,"thumb":78,"extension":10},"Freelance Contract","/template/freelance-contract-D13270","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/13270.png",{"label":80,"url":81,"thumb":82,"extension":10},"Photography Contract","/template/photography-contract-D12664","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12664.png",{"label":84,"url":85,"thumb":86,"extension":10},"Assignment of Contract","/template/assignment-of-contract-D939","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/939.png",{"description":88,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":89,"pages":90,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":91,"thumb":92,"svgFrame":93,"seoMetadata":94,"parents":96,"keywords":95,"url":102},"NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Non-Disclosure Agreement (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Disclosing Party\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [RECEIVING PARTY NAME] (the \"Receiving Party\"), an individual with his main address located at OR a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] WHEREAS, Receiving Party has been or will be engaged in the performance of work on [DESCRIBE]; and in connection therewith will be given access to certain confidential and proprietary information; and WHEREAS, Receiving Party and Disclosing Party wish to evidence by this Agreement the manner in which said confidential and proprietary material will be treated. NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed as follows: NON-DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION Both Parties understand and agree that each Party may have access to the confidential information of the other party. For the purposes of this Agreement, \"Confidential Information\" means proprietary and confidential information about the Disclosing Party's (or it's suppliers') business or activities. Such information includes all business, financial, technical, and other information marked or designated by such Party as \"confidential\" or \"proprietary.\" Confidential Information also includes information which, by the nature of the circumstances surrounding the disclosure, ought in good faith to be treated as confidential. For the purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information does not include: Information that is currently in the public domain or that enters the public domain after the signing of this Agreement. Information a Party lawfully receives from a third Party without restriction on disclosure and without breach of a non-disclosure obligation. Information that the Receiving Party knew prior to receiving any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Information that the Receiving Party independently develops without reliance on any Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party. Each Party agrees that it will not disclose to any third Party or use any Confidential Information disclosed to it by the other Party except when expressly permitted in writing by the other Party. Each Party also agrees that it will take all reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of all Confidential Information of the other Party in its possession or control. TERM The term of this Agreement is [number] of [years/months] from the date of execution by both Parties. TITLE The Receiving Party agrees that all Confidential Information furnished by the Disclosing Party shall remain the sole property of the Disclosing Party. DISCLAIMER","Non Disclosure Agreement Nda","3","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12692.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12692.xml",{"title":95,"description":6},"non disclosure agreement nda",[97,99],{"label":33,"url":98},"business-legal-agreements",{"label":100,"url":101},"Confidentiality Agreements","confidentiality-agreement","/template/non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"description":104,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":105,"pages":90,"size":106,"extension":10,"preview":107,"thumb":108,"svgFrame":109,"seoMetadata":110,"parents":111,"keywords":116,"url":117},"GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY This General Power of Attorney (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [ATTORNEY NAME] (the \"Attorney\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Client\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] TERMS KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that this Power of Attorney is given by Client to Attorney and that the Client hereby appoints Attorney to be its attorney and to do in its name and on its behalf anything that the Client can lawfully do by an attorney, including but not limited to; To ask, demand, sue for, recover, collect, and receive all sums of money, debts, dues, accounts, legacies, bequests, interest, dividends, annuities, and demands of every type that are now or may later become due, owing, payable or belonging to Client and have, use, and take all lawful ways and means in Client's name or otherwise for the recovery thereof, by attachments, arrest, distress, or otherwise, and to compromise and agree for them and acquaintances or other sufficient discharges for them; For Client and in its name, to make, seal, and deliver, to bargain, contract, agree for, purchase, receive, and take lands, and tenements, and accept the possession of all lands, and all deeds and other assurances, in the law therefore, and to lease, let, demise, bargain, sell, release, convey, mortgage, and hypothecate lands, and tenements on the terms and conditions and under the covenants as Attorney thinks fit;","General Power of Attorney",36,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/general-power-of-attorney-D1037.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/1037.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#1037.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[112,113],{"label":33,"url":98},{"label":114,"url":115},"Power of Attorney","power-of-attorney","general power attorney","/template/general-power-of-attorney-D1037",{"description":119,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":120,"pages":121,"size":122,"extension":10,"preview":123,"thumb":124,"svgFrame":125,"seoMetadata":126,"parents":127,"keywords":131,"url":132},"INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT This Independent Contractor Agreement (\"Agreement\") is made and effective [Date], BETWEEN: [INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR NAME] (the \"Independent Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] RECITALS Independent Contractor is engaged in providing [Describe] business services, its Employer Tax I.D. Number is [Insert], and its Business License Number is [insert]. Independent Contractor has complied with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding business permits, sales permits, licenses, reporting requirements, tax withholding requirements, and other legal requirements of any kind that may be required to carry out said business and the Scope of Work which is to be performed as an Independent Contractor pursuant to this Agreement. Independent Contractor is or remains open to conducting similar tasks or activities for clients other than the Company and holds themselves out to the public to be a separate business entity. Company desires to engage and contract for the services of the Independent Contractor to perform certain tasks as set forth below. Independent Contractor desires to enter into this Agreement and perform as an independent contractor for the company and is willing to do so on the terms and conditions set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the mutual promises and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows: TERMS This Agreement shall be effective commencing [Date], and shall continue until terminated at the completion of the Scope of Work which shall occur no later than [Date] or by either party as otherwise provided herein. STATUS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR This Agreement does not constitute a hiring by either party. It is the parties intentions that Independent Contractor shall have an independent contractor status and not be an employee for any purposes, including, but not limited to, [laws]. Independent Contractor shall retain sole and absolute discretion in the manner and means of carrying out their activities and responsibilities under this Agreement. This Agreement shall not be considered or construed to be a partnership or joint venture, and the Company shall not be liable for any obligations incurred by Independent Contractor unless specifically authorized in writing. Independent Contractor shall not act as an agent of the Company, ostensibly or otherwise, nor bind the Company in any manner, unless specifically authorized to do so in writing. TASKS, DUTIES, AND SCOPE OF WORK Independent Contractor agrees to devote as much time, attention, and energy as necessary to complete or achieve the following: [Describe]. The above to be referred to in this Agreement as the \"Scope of Work\". It is expected that the Scope of Work will completed by [Date]. Independent Contractor shall additionally perform any and all tasks and duties associated with the Scope of Work set forth above, including but not limited to, work being performed already or related change orders. Independent Contractor shall not be entitled to engage in any activities which are not expressly set forth by this Agreement. The books and records related to the Scope of Work set forth in this Agreement shall be maintained by the Independent Contractor at the Independent Contractor's principal place of business and open to inspection by Company during regular working hours. Documents to which Company will be entitled to inspect include, but are not limited to, any and all contract documents, change orders/purchase orders and work authorized by Independent Contractor or Company on existing or potential projects related to this Agreement. Independent Contractor shall be responsible to the management and directors of Company, but Independent Contractor will not be required to follow or establish a regular or daily work schedule. Supply all necessary equipment, materials and supplies. Independent Contractor will not rely on the equipment or offices of Company for completion of tasks and duties set forth pursuant to this Agreement. Any advice given Independent Contractors regarding the scope of work shall be considered a suggestion only, not an instruction. Company retains the right to inspect, stop, or alter the work of Independent Contractor to assure its conformity with this Agreement. ASSURANCE OF SERVICES Independent Contractor will assure that the following individuals (the \"Key Employees\") will be available to perform, and will perform, the Services hereunder until they are completed (identify by title and name as applicable): [Name of Key Employee, Title] [Name of Key Employee, Title] The Key Employees may be changed only with the prior written approval of the Company, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. COMPENSATION Independent Contractor shall be entitled to compensation for performing those tasks and duties related to the Scope of Work as follows: [Describe] Such compensation shall become due and payable to Independent Contractor in the following time, place, and manner: [Describe] NOTICE CONCERNING WITHHOLDING OF TAXES Independent Contractor recognizes and understands that it will receive a [specify tax] statement and related tax statements, and will be required to file corporate and/or individual tax returns and to pay taxes in accordance with all provisions of applicable Federal and State law. Independent Contractor hereby promises and agrees to indemnify the Company for any damages or expenses, including attorney's fees, and legal expenses, incurred by the Company as a result of independent contractor's failure to make such required payments. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE RIGHTS TO BENEFITS Independent Contractor hereby waives and foregoes the right to receive any benefits given by Company to its regular employees, including, but not limited to, health benefits, vacation and sick leave benefits, profit sharing plans, etc. This waiver is applicable to all non-salary benefits which might otherwise be found to accrue to the Independent Contractor by virtue of their services to Company, and is effective for the entire duration of Independent Contractor's agreement with Company. This waiver is effective independently of Independent Contractor's employment status as adjudged for taxation purposes or for any other purpose. Neither this Agreement, nor any duties or obligations under this Agreement may be assigned by either party without the consent of the other. TERMINATION This Agreement may be terminated prior to the completion or achievement of the Scope of Work by either party giving [number] days written notice. Such termination shall not prejudice any other remedy to which the terminating party may be entitled, either by law, in equity, or under this Agreement. NON-DISCLOSURE OF TRADE SECRETS, CUSTOMER LISTS AND OTHER PROPRIETARY INFORMATION Independent Contractor agrees not to disclose or communicate, in any manner, either during or after Independent Contractor's agreement with Company, information about Company, its operations, clientele, or any other information, that relate to the business of Company including, but not limited to, the names of its customers, its marketing strategies, operations, or any other information of any kind which would be deemed confidential, a trade secret, a customer list, or other form of proprietary information of Company. Independent Contractor acknowledges that the above information is material and confidential and that it affects the profitability of Company. ","Independent Contractor Agreement","6",62,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/independent-contractor-agreement-D160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/160.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#160.xml",{"title":6,"description":6},[128],{"label":129,"url":130},"Consultant & Contractors","consulting-contractor-business","independent contractor agreement","/template/independent-contractor-agreement-D160",{"description":134,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":135,"pages":121,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":136,"thumb":137,"svgFrame":138,"seoMetadata":139,"parents":141,"keywords":140,"url":144},"SERVICE AGREEMENT This SERVICE AGREEMENT (\"Agreement\") is effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Contractor\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [COMPANY NAME] (the \"Customer\"), a company organized and existing under the laws of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] (The Contractor and the Customer shall be individually referred to as a \"Party\" and collectively referred to as the \"Parties\", as the context may require). WHEREAS A. Contractor has experience and expertise in [DESCRIBE EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE]. B. Customer desires to have Contractor provide services for them. C. Contractor desires to provide services to Customer on the terms and conditions set forth herein (the \"Services\"). NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals, the representations, warranties, and agreements contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are now acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows: SERVICES PROVIDED Beginning on upon agreement to this contract, [CONTRACTOR] will provide to [CUSTOMER] the following service (collectively, the /Services\"): Description of the project: [DESCRIBE THE SERVICE REQUIRED]. SCOPE OF WORK Contractor agrees to provide Services pursuant to the Scope of Work set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto (the \"Scope of Work\"). TERM Unless both parties mutually agree on an extension, this contract will automatically terminate on [SPECIFY]. PERFORMANCE The parties agree to do everything possible to ensure that the terms of this Agreement take effect. PAYMENT FOR SERVICES In exchange for the Services rendered, a payment of [SPECIFY] will be made to the Contractor upon completion of the scheduled Services described in this Contract. If an invoice is not paid on the due date, interest will be added to the current balance. These amounts shall be payable, and the Customer shall pay all overdue amounts at the lesser of [SPECIFY] per cent per annum or the maximum percentage permitted by applicable law. Or Customer will pay Contractor as follows: [SPECIFY]. DELIVERY OF SERVICES The Contractor will exercise due diligence in the provision of services. However, the Customer acknowledges that the indicated delivery times and other payment milestones listed in Scope of Work are estimates and do not constitute final delivery dates. SECURITY The Contractor must make reasonable security arrangement to protect Material from unauthorized access, collection, use, alteration or disposal. OWNERSHIP RIGHT The Customer shall hold the copyright for the agreed version of the Services as delivered, and the Customer's copyright notice may be displayed in the final version. All works, ideas, discoveries, inventions, patents, products or other information that may be protected by copyright (collectively, the \"Work Product\" developed in whole or in part by the Contractor in connection with the Services, shall be the exclusive property of the Customer. Upon request, the Contractor shall execute all documents necessary to confirm or perfect the exclusive ownership of the Customer's \"Work Product\". The Contractor retains exclusive rights to pre-existing materials used in the Customer's projects. The Customer shall not have the right to reuse, resell or otherwise transfer material belonging to the contractor or third parties. The Contractor reserves the right to use the finished public product as an example of a product. RETURN OF PROPERTY Upon the expiry or termination of this Agreement, the Contractor will return to the Customer any property, documentation, records or Confidential Information which is the property of the Customer. COMPENSATION For all services rendered by the Contractor under this Agreement, the Customer shall indemnify the Contractor. In the event that the Customer fails to make any of the payments mentioned, the Contractor shall have the right, but shall not be obliged, to exercise any of the following remedies: ","Service Agreement","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/service-agreement-D12711.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/12711.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#12711.xml",{"title":140,"description":6},"service agreement",[142,143],{"label":33,"url":98},{"label":33,"url":98},"/template/service-agreement-D12711",{"description":146,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":147,"pages":90,"size":9,"extension":10,"preview":148,"thumb":149,"svgFrame":150,"seoMetadata":151,"parents":153,"keywords":156,"url":157},"[DATE] [CONTACT NAME] [ADDRESS] [ADDRESS 2] [CITY, STATE/PROVINCE] [ZIP/POSTAL CODE] SUBJECT: LETTER OF INTENT-ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS Dear [CONTACT NAME]: This letter (\"Letter of Intent\") sets forth the basic preliminary terms between the Buyer or his nominee and yourselves regarding the purchase of the [SPECIFY] business (the \"Business\") carried on by yourselves. Except as specifically set forth herein, this Letter of Intent shall not constitute an agreement between the parties and no agreement shall be deemed to exist until execution of a definitive purchase agreement. It is proposed that Buyer will acquire certain assets of the Business which Buyer believes to be necessary to the future of the Business, including the warehouse in [CITY/STATE] in which [COMPANY NAME] the Company has invested [AMOUNT] in cash and which has been financed by a mortgage loan of approximately [AMOUNT] granted by the [SPECIFY COMPANY] [CITY/STATE]. Buyer understands that the said warehouse has no other charges or liabilities affecting it other than the said mortgage loan. Buyer may either purchase the warehouse outright or enter into a lease-purchase or instalment transfer of ownership which is satisfactory to both parties. The gross purchase price for the said warehouse will be [AMOUNT]. Buyer may purchase or lease barrels and other equipment currently owned by the Company which are necessary to operate the Business, on a cash or instalment basis agreeable to both parties. The specific assets to be purchased and the amounts to be paid by Buyer in connection with this transaction remain to be negotiated by the parties. This Letter of Intent also evidences the intentions of the parties with respect to the following agreements: Buyer will enter into a [NUMBER]-year employment agreement with [COMPANY NAME], providing for the Company will be responsible for the purchase of [SPECIFY] for Buyer. The agreement will contain the customary terms and conditions found in employment agreements in similar transactions and will provide for the usual non-competition and non-solicitation covenants to be entered into by the Company in favour of Buyer. It is expressly understood that if the contemplated transaction is consummated, the aggregate amount of commission paid or payable to yourselves (net of reasonable expenses acceptable to Buyer) in respect of all purchases of [SPECIFY] made through you from the date of this Letter of Intent to the date of closing, with the exception of commissions earned on the [NUMBER] truckloads of [SPECIFY] to be delivered to Buyer during the week of [DATE] to [DATE], will be applied against remuneration payable to the Company in the first year of his employment agreement. If the contemplated transaction is not consummated, all such commissions paid or payable will be treated as commissions. Buyer will enter into a [NUMBER]-year employment agreement with [EMPLOYEE NAME], providing for the payment of a gross base salary of [ANNUAL SALARY] per year, to be paid weekly, subject to annual review. [EMPLOYEE NAME] will be President of the Business and the employment agreement will provide for health benefits, automobile, expenses and bonus arrangements","Letter of Intent_Acquisition of Business","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/letter-of-intent_acquisition-of-business-D5197.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/5197.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#5197.xml",{"title":152,"description":6},"letter of intent_acquisition of business",[154,155],{"label":33,"url":98},{"label":33,"url":98},"letter intent_acquisition business","/template/letter-of-intent_acquisition-of-business-D5197",{"description":159,"descriptionCustom":6,"label":160,"pages":8,"size":161,"extension":10,"preview":162,"thumb":163,"svgFrame":164,"seoMetadata":165,"parents":167,"keywords":171,"url":172},"AFFIDAVIT This Affidavit (the \"Agreement\") is made and effective [DATE], BETWEEN: [YOUR COMPANY NAME] (the \"Company\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [YOUR COMPLETE ADDRESS] AND: [AFFIANT NAME] (the \"Affiant\"), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the [State/Province] of [STATE/PROVINCE], with its head office located at: [COMPLETE ADDRESS] In consideration of the terms and covenants of this agreement, and other valuable consideration, the parties agree as follows: RECITALS BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, [name and capacity of officer before whom affidavit is sworn], on this [day of month] day of [month], [YEAR], personally appeared Affiant, known to me to be a credible person and of lawful age, who being by me first duly sworn, on [his or her] oath, deposes and says: [set forth statement of facts] ","Affidavit",33,"https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/1000px/affidavit-D843.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/imgs/250px/843.png","https://templates.business-in-a-box.com/svgs/docviewerWebApp1.html?v6#843.xml",{"title":166,"description":6},"Affidavit Format - Template & Sample Form | Biztree.com",[168,169],{"label":33,"url":98},{"label":170,"url":171},"Affidavits","affidavit","/template/affidavit-D843",false,{"seo":175,"reviewer":187,"quick_facts":191,"at_a_glance":193,"personas":197,"variants":222,"glossary":250,"sections":281,"how_to_fill":327,"common_mistakes":363,"faqs":388,"industries":416,"comparisons":433,"diy_vs_pro":446,"educational_modules":459,"related_template_ids_curated":462,"schema":472,"classification":474},{"meta_title":176,"meta_description":177,"primary_keyword":15,"secondary_keywords":178},"How To Sign A Contract Template | BIB","Free how-to-sign-a-contract guide covering signature blocks, authorization, counterparts, and execution best practices.",[179,180,181,182,183,184,185,186],"how to sign a contract template","contract signing process","contract execution guide","how to execute a contract","signing authority policy","contract signature block","contract signing best practices","how to sign a business contract",{"name":188,"credential":189,"reviewed_date":190},"Bruno Goulet","CEO, Business in a Box","2026-05-02",{"difficulty":192,"legal_review_recommended":173,"signature_required":173},"medium",{"what_it_is":194,"when_you_need_it":195,"whats_inside":196},"How To Sign A Contract is an operational guide that walks individuals and organizations through every step of the contract execution process — from reviewing the final draft to storing the fully signed document. This free Word download gives you a structured, step-by-step framework you can edit online and share with your team or counterparties to ensure contracts are signed correctly, by the right people, and with a complete audit trail.\n","Use it before executing any binding agreement — vendor contracts, employment offers, partnership agreements, or client service agreements — especially when multiple signatories, remote parties, or corporate authorization levels are involved.\n","Pre-signature review checklist, identity and authority verification steps, signature block instructions, counterpart and electronic signature guidance, witness and notarization requirements, and post-execution storage procedures.\n",[198,202,206,210,214,218],{"title":199,"use_case":200,"icon_asset_id":201},"Small business owners","Executing vendor, client, and supplier contracts without in-house legal staff","persona-small-business-owner",{"title":203,"use_case":204,"icon_asset_id":205},"Operations managers","Standardizing the contract signing workflow across departments","persona-operations-manager",{"title":207,"use_case":208,"icon_asset_id":209},"Startup founders","Formalizing early customer and investor agreements without prior contract experience","persona-startup-founder",{"title":211,"use_case":212,"icon_asset_id":213},"HR managers","Ensuring employment contracts and offer letters are correctly executed before start dates","persona-hr-manager",{"title":215,"use_case":216,"icon_asset_id":217},"Procurement officers","Confirming supplier agreements are signed by authorized representatives before purchase orders are released","persona-procurement-officer",{"title":219,"use_case":220,"icon_asset_id":221},"Freelancers and consultants","Executing client service agreements correctly to protect payment and scope","persona-freelancer",[223,227,231,235,239,243,247],{"situation":224,"recommended_template":225,"slug":226},"Signing a contract with a remote party in another country","Electronic Signature Authorization Policy","transmittal-of-documents-for-signature-D922",{"situation":228,"recommended_template":229,"slug":230},"Executing a contract that requires a witness or notarization","Affidavit Template","affidavit-D843",{"situation":232,"recommended_template":233,"slug":234},"Establishing who in your organization has authority to sign contracts","Signing Authority Policy","board-resolution-for-signing-authority-D13906",{"situation":236,"recommended_template":237,"slug":238},"Reviewing a contract before signing to identify red flags","Contract Review Checklist","how-to-review-a-supplier-contract-D12593",{"situation":240,"recommended_template":241,"slug":242},"Signing an NDA before sharing confidential information","Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)","non-disclosure-agreement-nda-D12692",{"situation":244,"recommended_template":245,"slug":246},"Collecting signatures from multiple parties on a single document","Multi-Party Agreement Template","license-agreement-multi-users-D1021",{"situation":248,"recommended_template":114,"slug":249},"Documenting the delegation of signing authority to an agent","general-power-of-attorney-D1037",[251,254,257,260,263,266,269,272,275,278],{"term":252,"definition":253},"Execution","The formal act of signing a contract, making it legally binding on all parties — distinct from drafting or negotiating the document.",{"term":255,"definition":256},"Signature Block","The section of a contract reserved for each party's name, title, signature, and date, confirming their agreement to the terms.",{"term":258,"definition":259},"Authorized Signatory","A person who has legal authority to bind an organization — typically an officer, director, or employee granted signing authority by board resolution or policy.",{"term":261,"definition":262},"Counterpart","A separately signed copy of the same contract; when all counterparts are assembled, they collectively form one binding agreement.",{"term":264,"definition":265},"Electronic Signature","A legally recognized digital method of signing a document, such as a typed name, clicked checkbox, or cryptographic signature via platforms like DocuSign or Adobe Sign.",{"term":267,"definition":268},"Wet Signature","A handwritten ink signature on a physical paper document, as opposed to a digital or electronic signature.",{"term":270,"definition":271},"Notarization","Verification by a licensed notary public that a signer is who they claim to be and signed voluntarily — required for certain legal documents such as deeds and powers of attorney.",{"term":273,"definition":274},"Witness","A neutral third party who observes the signing and adds their own signature to confirm the event took place — distinct from a notary and required in some jurisdictions for specific document types.",{"term":276,"definition":277},"Effective Date","The date on which a contract's obligations begin, which may differ from the date the contract is actually signed.",{"term":279,"definition":280},"Ultra Vires","A Latin term meaning 'beyond the powers' — used when a person signs on behalf of an organization without the authority to do so, potentially voiding the agreement.",[282,287,292,297,302,307,312,317,322],{"name":283,"plain_english":284,"sample_language":285,"common_mistake":286},"Pre-signature review checklist","A structured list of items to verify before anyone picks up a pen or clicks 'sign' — ensuring the final draft is correct and all parties are ready.","Before executing this agreement, confirm: (1) all blanks are filled in, (2) defined terms are consistent throughout, (3) the correct legal entity names appear in the parties block, (4) dates, pricing, and payment terms match the negotiated terms, and (5) all schedules and exhibits are attached.","Signing a draft version that still contains tracked changes or placeholder text — once signed, those placeholders become part of the binding agreement.",{"name":288,"plain_english":289,"sample_language":290,"common_mistake":291},"Parties and legal entity verification","Confirms that the names, entity types, and addresses in the contract match the actual parties who intend to be bound.","This Agreement is entered into between [FULL LEGAL ENTITY NAME], a [STATE] [ENTITY TYPE] with its principal place of business at [ADDRESS] ('Party A'), and [FULL LEGAL ENTITY NAME] ('Party B').","Using a trade name or DBA instead of the registered legal entity name — if the named party does not legally exist, enforcing the contract becomes significantly harder.",{"name":293,"plain_english":294,"sample_language":295,"common_mistake":296},"Signing authority confirmation","Establishes that the person signing on behalf of each organization has the actual legal power to bind that organization to the contract.","The undersigned represents and warrants that they have full authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of [COMPANY NAME] and to bind [COMPANY NAME] to its terms.","Allowing a mid-level employee to sign a contract that exceeds their delegated authority limit — which can render the agreement voidable at the organization's election.",{"name":298,"plain_english":299,"sample_language":300,"common_mistake":301},"Signature block format","The correctly formatted area at the end of the contract where each party signs, prints their name, states their title, and records the date of signing.","SIGNED by [FULL NAME], [TITLE], on behalf of [COMPANY NAME], on [DATE]: _________________________ (Signature)","Leaving the date field blank or filling it in after signing — the date of actual execution should be recorded at the moment of signing, not retroactively.",{"name":303,"plain_english":304,"sample_language":305,"common_mistake":306},"Counterpart and copy instructions","Explains how to handle contracts signed in multiple copies or by parties in different locations, and confirms that all counterparts together form one binding agreement.","This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument. Electronic copies shall be deemed originals.","Collecting only one party's signed copy and never obtaining the countersigned version — leaving you without a fully executed agreement if a dispute arises.",{"name":308,"plain_english":309,"sample_language":310,"common_mistake":311},"Electronic signature guidance","Sets out when and how electronic signatures are acceptable, which platforms are approved, and what audit trail information to retain.","Electronic signatures via [APPROVED PLATFORM — e.g., DocuSign / Adobe Sign] are accepted for all agreements below $[THRESHOLD] value. For agreements above $[THRESHOLD] or requiring notarization, wet signatures are required.","Using a simple image of a scanned signature pasted into a Word document — this method produces no audit trail and is legally weaker than a proper e-signature platform.",{"name":313,"plain_english":314,"sample_language":315,"common_mistake":316},"Witness and notarization requirements","Identifies document types that require a witness or notary, and provides instructions for completing those steps correctly.","Documents requiring witnessing: [LIST DOCUMENT TYPES]. Witness must be at least 18 years old, not a party to the agreement, and must sign and print their name and address in the witness block. Notarization is required for: [LIST DOCUMENT TYPES].","Having the witness sign before the primary signer — witnesses must observe the act of signing in real time, not attest to a signature already on the page.",{"name":318,"plain_english":319,"sample_language":320,"common_mistake":321},"Dating and effective date instructions","Explains the difference between the signing date and the effective date, and how to fill in each field correctly.","The Signing Date is the date each party physically executes this Agreement. The Effective Date is [DATE / the last date on which a party signs / the date both parties have signed], and governs when obligations begin.","Backdating a contract to an earlier effective date without noting the true signing date — backdating can constitute fraud in many jurisdictions and voids enforceability.",{"name":323,"plain_english":324,"sample_language":325,"common_mistake":326},"Post-execution storage and distribution","Documents what to do with the fully signed contract — who receives copies, where originals are filed, and how long they must be retained.","Upon full execution: (1) send a countersigned copy to [COUNTERPARTY CONTACT] within [2] business days, (2) file the original in [LOCATION / SYSTEM], (3) add a calendar reminder [30 days] before the contract renewal or expiration date.","Storing only the outgoing signed copy and never confirming receipt of the countersigned version — without a fully executed copy, proving the other party's agreement to the terms is difficult.",[328,333,338,343,348,353,358],{"step":329,"title":330,"description":331,"tip":332},1,"Complete the pre-signature review","Work through the review checklist before any signing takes place. Confirm that all blanks are filled, all defined terms are consistent, all schedules are attached, and the parties block uses full legal entity names.","Print or PDF the final version and compare it line by line against the last negotiated draft — Word's Compare Documents feature catches insertion errors that visual review misses.",{"step":334,"title":335,"description":336,"tip":337},2,"Verify the signing authority of each signatory","Confirm that the person signing on behalf of each organization has the delegated authority to do so. For corporate signatories, this means checking a signing authority policy, board resolution, or delegation of authority matrix.","Ask the counterparty to confirm the signer's title and authority in writing — a brief email confirmation is admissible evidence if authority is later disputed.",{"step":339,"title":340,"description":341,"tip":342},3,"Choose the correct signing method","Determine whether the agreement requires a wet signature, a notarized signature, a witnessed signature, or whether an electronic signature is acceptable. Use the document type and value threshold in the guidance section to make this call.","When in doubt about whether electronic signatures are acceptable, check the jurisdiction's electronic transactions law — most US states, Canadian provinces, and EU member states recognize e-signatures for commercial agreements.",{"step":344,"title":345,"description":346,"tip":347},4,"Fill in the signature block completely","Print the signer's full legal name, enter their title exactly as it appears in their authorization documentation, and record the actual date of signing at the moment of execution. Do not leave any field blank.","For corporate agreements, include both the signer's personal name and their title — 'Jane Smith, Chief Executive Officer' not just a signature line, so there is no ambiguity about capacity.",{"step":349,"title":350,"description":351,"tip":352},5,"Handle counterparts and remote signatories","If parties are signing in different locations, use the counterpart clause to allow separate signed copies. Collect all counterparts before treating the agreement as fully executed. For e-signatures, ensure the platform sends all parties a complete, finalized copy with the full audit trail.","Set a deadline for return of the countersigned copy — 5 business days is standard. Without a deadline, counterparties sometimes delay indefinitely.",{"step":354,"title":355,"description":356,"tip":357},6,"Arrange witnessing or notarization where required","If the document type requires a witness, ensure the witness is present in person, is not a party to the agreement, and signs the witness block immediately after observing the primary signature. For notarization, present valid government-issued photo ID to the notary.","Remote online notarization (RON) is now accepted in most US states — use it for cross-border or remote signings that legally require notarization rather than delaying execution.",{"step":359,"title":360,"description":361,"tip":362},7,"Distribute and store the fully executed agreement","Send a countersigned copy to every party within 2 business days of full execution. File the original or a PDF with a complete audit trail in your contract management system or a clearly labeled shared drive folder. Set a renewal or expiry reminder.","Name the file with a consistent convention — 'YYYY-MM-DD_[Counterparty]_[ContractType]' — so contracts are searchable and sortable without opening each file.",[364,368,372,376,380,384],{"mistake":365,"why_it_matters":366,"fix":367},"Signing a version with unfilled placeholders","Brackets, blanks, and placeholder text left in a signed contract become binding terms. Courts have interpreted '[INSERT PAYMENT AMOUNT]' clauses against the party who drafted them.","Run a find-and-replace search for '[', 'TBD', and 'INSERT' before routing the final version for signature. Treat any result as a blocker.",{"mistake":369,"why_it_matters":370,"fix":371},"Allowing an unauthorized person to sign","A contract signed by someone without delegated authority can be declared void or voidable by the organization they purported to bind — eliminating your enforceable agreement.","Maintain a written signing authority matrix that specifies dollar thresholds and contract types for each authorized role, and check it before every execution.",{"mistake":373,"why_it_matters":374,"fix":375},"Backdating the contract without documentation","Backdating a signature date to match an earlier effective date — without noting the true signing date — can constitute fraud and voids the agreement in many jurisdictions.","Use the effective date field to set when obligations begin, and always record the true date of signing in the signature block. A note that 'this Agreement is entered into as of [EARLIER DATE] but signed on [ACTUAL DATE]' is legally acceptable.",{"mistake":377,"why_it_matters":378,"fix":379},"Never collecting the countersigned copy","Sending your signed copy and never following up means you may only have a document signed by one party — which is not a binding contract in most jurisdictions.","Set a calendar reminder for 5 business days after sending your signed copy and follow up immediately if the countersigned version has not been returned.",{"mistake":381,"why_it_matters":382,"fix":383},"Using a scanned signature image instead of a proper e-signature","A JPG of a signature pasted into a Word document has no audit trail, no timestamp, and no identity verification — making it legally weaker than a handwritten wet signature or a platform-generated e-signature.","Use a dedicated e-signature platform (DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or equivalent) for all remote signings. The platform generates a certificate of completion with IP address, timestamp, and identity verification.",{"mistake":385,"why_it_matters":386,"fix":387},"Filing the contract with no expiry reminder","Auto-renewing contracts that you intended to renegotiate or terminate become binding for another term when the notice window passes unnoticed — sometimes locking in unfavorable pricing or terms.","At the moment of filing, set a calendar reminder 60–90 days before the contract's renewal or expiry date, regardless of how long the initial term runs.",[389,392,395,398,401,404,407,410,413],{"question":390,"answer":391},"What does it mean to sign a contract?","Signing a contract is the formal act of executing a written agreement, indicating your acceptance of its terms and creating legally binding obligations between the parties. Execution requires the correct person to sign in the designated signature block, with their name, title, and the date recorded. Without valid signatures from all required parties, most contracts are not enforceable.\n",{"question":393,"answer":394},"Who is authorized to sign a contract on behalf of a company?","Typically, officers of the company — CEO, CFO, or President — have inherent authority to sign contracts within the scope of the business. For other employees, signing authority is usually granted by a board resolution or a written delegation-of-authority policy specifying dollar thresholds and contract types. Signing outside your delegated authority can make the contract voidable by the company.\n",{"question":396,"answer":397},"Is an electronic signature legally valid?","In most jurisdictions, yes. The US ESIGN Act and UETA, Canada's PIPEDA and provincial equivalents, the EU's eIDAS Regulation, and similar laws in the UK and Australia recognize electronic signatures for most commercial agreements. Exceptions include wills, real-estate deeds, and certain court filings, which typically require wet signatures. Using a dedicated e-signature platform creates an audit trail that is legally stronger than a scanned ink signature.\n",{"question":399,"answer":400},"What is the difference between the signing date and the effective date?","The signing date is the actual calendar date on which a party executes the document. The effective date is when the contractual obligations begin — it can be earlier or later than the signing date. Always record the true signing date in the signature block, and use the effective date field to set when performance obligations start. Misrepresenting the signing date as an earlier effective date can constitute backdating fraud.\n",{"question":402,"answer":403},"Does a contract need to be witnessed or notarized to be valid?","Most commercial contracts do not require a witness or notarization to be legally binding — mutual agreement and signatures from authorized parties are sufficient. Certain documents — real-estate deeds, powers of attorney, statutory declarations, and some wills — do require witnessing or notarization depending on the jurisdiction. When in doubt about whether a specific document type requires additional formalities, consult the applicable statute or a lawyer.\n",{"question":405,"answer":406},"What is a counterpart clause and why does it matter?","A counterpart clause states that the contract may be signed in separate copies by each party, and that all signed copies together form one binding agreement. This allows parties in different locations to sign independently without needing to physically exchange a single document. Without a counterpart clause, some jurisdictions require all parties to sign the exact same physical document, which can delay execution for remote or international agreements.\n",{"question":408,"answer":409},"Can I sign a contract on behalf of someone else?","Yes, if you hold a valid power of attorney or other written authorization from that person or entity. You must sign in your own name followed by 'as attorney-in-fact for [PRINCIPAL NAME]' or similar language, and the power of attorney document should be attached or available for inspection. Signing a contract in another person's name without proper authorization is forgery in most jurisdictions.\n",{"question":411,"answer":412},"What should I do immediately after signing a contract?","Collect the countersigned copy from the other party within 5 business days — a one-sided signed document is not a fully executed agreement. File the fully executed copy in a central contract repository, send copies to all parties of record, and set a calendar reminder 60–90 days before the renewal or expiry date. Update your contract register with the key terms, obligations, and deadlines.\n",{"question":414,"answer":415},"What happens if someone signs a contract under duress or by mistake?","A contract signed under duress, undue influence, fraudulent misrepresentation, or a fundamental mutual mistake may be voidable by the affected party in most jurisdictions. This means the party can choose to void the agreement rather than be bound by it. These defenses are fact- specific and often require legal proceedings to resolve — preventing the situation through careful pre-signature review is far more practical than unwinding a signed agreement after the fact.\n",[417,421,425,429],{"industry":418,"icon_asset_id":419,"specifics":420},"Professional Services","industry-professional-services","Client engagement letters, retainer agreements, and subcontractor contracts all require clear signing authority and countersigned copies to protect scope and payment terms.",{"industry":422,"icon_asset_id":423,"specifics":424},"Construction and Real Estate","industry-construction","Many construction and real estate documents — deeds, mortgages, lien waivers — require notarization or witnessing, making proper execution procedures especially critical.",{"industry":426,"icon_asset_id":427,"specifics":428},"Technology / SaaS","industry-saas","High-volume customer and vendor agreements benefit from standardized e-signature workflows with audit trails, and MSAs often require specific authorized-signatory language.",{"industry":430,"icon_asset_id":431,"specifics":432},"Retail and E-commerce","industry-retail","Supplier agreements, distribution contracts, and franchise agreements each carry different signing authority and counterpart requirements that procurement teams must manage at scale.",[434,437,440,442],{"vs":237,"vs_template_id":435,"summary":436},"D{CONTRACT_REVIEW_CHECKLIST_ID}","A contract review checklist focuses on evaluating the substantive terms of an agreement before acceptance — flagging unfavorable clauses, missing protections, and legal risks. A how-to-sign-a-contract guide picks up after the review is complete, covering the execution mechanics. Both are needed: review first, then execute correctly.",{"vs":114,"vs_template_id":438,"summary":439},"power-of-attorney-D12729","A power of attorney grants a specific person the legal authority to sign contracts and take other actions on behalf of the principal. A how-to-sign-a-contract guide explains the process for any signatory, including those acting under a power of attorney. Use a POA when the actual party cannot sign in person; use the signing guide for every execution regardless of who signs.",{"vs":241,"vs_template_id":242,"summary":441},"An NDA is a specific contract type restricting disclosure of confidential information. A how-to-sign-a-contract guide is process documentation applicable to executing any contract — including an NDA. The signing guide does not replace the underlying agreement; it governs how that agreement is properly executed.",{"vs":443,"vs_template_id":444,"summary":445},"Letter of Intent (LOI)","letter-of-intent-D12700","A letter of intent signals intent to enter into a future agreement and is often non-binding. A signed contract creates immediately enforceable obligations. Understanding the difference is essential — some LOIs contain binding provisions (exclusivity, confidentiality) that require the same careful execution as a full contract.",{"use_template":447,"template_plus_review":451,"custom_drafted":455},{"best_for":448,"cost":449,"time":450},"Small businesses, freelancers, and teams standardizing their contract signing process for routine commercial agreements","Free","30–60 minutes to customize and distribute",{"best_for":452,"cost":453,"time":454},"Organizations with multiple signatories, delegation of authority needs, or contracts above $50,000 in value","$200–$500 for a legal or operations consultant review","1–2 days",{"best_for":456,"cost":457,"time":458},"Enterprises requiring integration with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems, regulated industries, or cross-border signing policies","$1,000–$5,000+ for a custom policy and workflow design","2–4 weeks",[460,461],"the-7-elements-of-a-binding-contract","electronic-signatures-explained",[242,249,463,464,465,230,466,467,468,469,470,471],"independent-contractor-agreement-D160","service-agreement-D12711","letter-of-intent_acquisition-of-business-D5197","employment-agreement_at-will-employee-D541","vendor-agreement-D13292","partnership-agreement-D12551","confidentiality-agreement-D950","memorandum-of-understanding-D12701","general-release-and-settlement-agreement-D12554",{"emit_how_to":473,"emit_defined_term":473},true,{"primary_folder":98,"secondary_folder":475,"document_type":476,"industry":477,"business_stage":478,"tags":479,"confidence":484},"terms-and-warranties","guide","general","all-stages",[480,476,481,482,483],"legal","compliance","agreement","contract-execution",0.85,"\u003Ch2>What is a How To Sign A Contract guide?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A \u003Cstrong>How To Sign A Contract\u003C/strong> guide is an operational document that walks individuals and organizations through the complete contract execution process — from pre-signature review and signatory authority verification to signature block completion, counterpart handling, and post-execution filing. It functions as both a step-by-step checklist for anyone executing a binding agreement and a policy reference that ensures contracts are signed by the right people, in the correct format, with a complete and defensible audit trail.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2>Why You Need This Document\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Signing a contract incorrectly — or incompletely — can be just as damaging as not having one at all. A contract signed by an unauthorized employee can be voided by your own organization, leaving you with no enforceable agreement after weeks of negotiation. Placeholder text left in a signed document becomes a binding term. A countersigned copy never collected means you cannot prove the other party agreed to anything. These are not hypothetical edge cases — they are among the most common reasons commercial disputes become expensive and unresolvable. This guide eliminates those failure points by standardizing every step of execution, from the moment the final draft is ready to the day you set your renewal reminder.\u003C/p>\n",1781185946101]