Many different types of legal documents exist, and each requires different information to complete. Some common legal documents include wills, leases, title deeds and divorce agreements. It is essential to provide the correct and accurate information in your legal documents. A complete legal document constitutes information such as addresses, names of parties to the agreement, correct clauses and signatures.
Instructions
1. Familiarize yourself with common legal terms used in most legal documents to properly understand and complete your document. Read the section in the document that explains what the phrases used mean; many legal documents have a section defining the legal terms used in the document. For example, the word "grantor" in a quitclaim deed refers to the person who is transferring the property to another person.
2. Write the legal names, addresses and contacts of all parties to the agreement at the beginning of the document. Refer to the full names of people or companies involved in the transaction. Parties to the agreement are people, organizations or companies that are bound by the terms of the document. Do not use different names to refer to the same person or company to avoid confusion. Date the document accurately; sometimes legal documents include both the date that the agreement is being signed, and the date that a certain action will take effect; for example, you might date a lease agreement when both parties sign it, but it may take effect on the first of the following month.
3. Read through the terms and clauses of the legal document and sign in the area designated for the signature. Avail the document to the other parties for them to include their signatures. Provide the document to a witness such as lawyer, who is not a party to the agreement, to also sign the document. Clauses are instructions or laws that officially state what must be done by all parties in the agreement. An example of a clause: "If any provision of this agreement is unenforceable, then the provision will be changed to reflect the parties' intention. All other provisions of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect."
4. Have the signatures on the document notarized if required. A notary public is a public official who acts as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. You can find a notary through an attorney's office or the court clerk; many banks keep a notary on staff as well. Some documents, such as a lease, do not need to be notarized; however, a living will probably does. Check with your state or county government to find out which types of documents have to be legally notarized in your state. The notary will witness your signature and stamp or seal the document, which serves to legalize the document so it will be recognized in court or by other companies or individuals.
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