Adjustment Agreement
What an Adjustment Agreement Is and When it’s Used
Why a Clear Adjustment Agreement Matters
A written Adjustment Agreement reduces ambiguity, creates enforceable evidence of consent to modify obligations, and helps prevent disputes over original terms. It documents the parties’ intent, the precise changes, and effective dates, which supports enforceability under the ESIGN Act and UETA when executed electronically with proper consent and retention.
Who Typically Prepares and Signs an Adjustment Agreement
Adjustment Agreements are used by different parties depending on context; prepare this document according to who has the authority and who will be affected.
- Lenders and servicers modifying loan terms after borrower hardship, documenting new schedules and consideration in writing.
- Landlords and tenants when rent, lease term, or repair obligations change mid-lease and both parties agree to new terms.
- Business counterparties adjusting contract scope, delivery dates, or pricing without terminating the original master agreement.
Ensure the signer(s) represent the named party and have authority to bind it; include evidence of authorization when appropriate.
Common Signatory Roles
Lender / Creditor
An institutional or individual creditor that proposes or approves changes to repayment terms. The lender’s authorized officer or loan servicer must sign, and internal approval documentation may be required to prove authority.
Borrower / Debtor
The individual or entity whose obligations are being modified. The borrower should sign and date; if signing on behalf of an entity, include evidence of authority such as corporate resolution or power of attorney.
Step-by-Step: How to Complete an Adjustment Agreement
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01Prepare: Identify original contract sections to change and draft precise replacement language.
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02Review: Have legal and accounting review changes for compliance and tax consequences.
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03Authorize: Confirm signatory authority and attach any required resolutions or powers of attorney.
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04Execute: Sign, date, notarize if needed, and distribute final copies to all parties.
Typical Workflow for Issuing and Executing an Adjustment Agreement
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Draft: Create the amendment with exact clause references and new terms.
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Internal Approval: Obtain sign-off from legal, finance, and authorized approvers.
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Sign: Use in-person or electronic signatures; notarize if jurisdiction or contract requires.
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Record: Distribute executed copies and store per retention policy.
Configuring an Electronic Workflow for an Adjustment Agreement
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication Method | Email link with optional SMS code for signer verification |
| Template Controls | Use conditional fields to show only relevant amendment sections |
| Audit Trail | Enable timestamps, IP logging, and document history |
| Integration | Connect to CRM or document repository for automatic storage |
Technical Requirements for Digital Signing and Distribution
Choose a signing platform that supports required authentication, file formats, and integrations for secure execution.
- Integrations: Salesforce | NetSuite | Google Workspace support
- File Formats: PDF and DOCX are commonly supported
- Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, or SSO options
Ensure the platform captures a complete audit trail and stores copies in a tamper-evident format to meet legal and recordkeeping requirements.
Key Timing Considerations When Drafting an Adjustment Agreement
Execution Date:
Date when parties sign; may differ from effective date
Effective Date:
Date when amended terms take legal effect
Notice Periods:
Observe any contract notice periods before changes take effect
Filing Deadlines:
File with courts or registries when required by law or original contract
Review Dates:
Schedule compliance and performance reviews after amendment
Common Preparation Errors to Avoid
- Failing to identify the exact clause or section in the original agreement, producing ambiguity about what changed and when.
- Not obtaining or documenting signatory authority, which can lead to later challenges that the agreement is unenforceable.
- Omitting clear effective dates or backdating without agreement, creating disputes over when obligations begin.
- Neglecting to consider tax, regulatory, or licensing consequences of the change, which can trigger penalties or voiding.
Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Agreement
Selected eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing an Adjustment Agreement
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | Yes | Varies | Varies |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Vendor limits vary | Vendor limits vary | Vendor limits vary |
Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustment Agreements
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Can an Adjustment Agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally binding under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA in most states, provided the parties consent, intent is clear, the signature is attributable, and records can be retained.
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When is notarization required?
Notarization depends on the subject matter and state law. Real estate-related amendments often require notarization; check state notary rules or the original agreement’s notarization clause before execution.
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How do I correct an executed adjustment?
Prepare a written corrective amendment signed by all original signatories referencing the executed adjustment. Do not alter a signed original without a signed amendment or restatement to avoid disputes.
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Who must sign an entity amendment?
An authorized representative with corporate signature authority must sign. Attach a corporate resolution or power of attorney if the signer’s authority could be questioned later.
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Can the agreement be revoked after signing?
Revocation requires agreement by the parties or a contractual rescission clause; unilateral revocation is generally ineffective unless permitted by the contract or a court order.
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How long should I keep executed copies?
Retain executed agreements for the active term plus applicable statutory periods: at least 3 years for tax records (IRC §6501(a)), 6 years for HIPAA-related records (45 CFR §164.530(j)), and longer if state law requires.