Parties
Full legal names, business entity type, and principal places of business for each signing party.
A clear, complete agreement reduces disputes, preserves legal rights, and clarifies payment and performance expectations; it also documents consent consistent with ESIGN and UETA for electronic execution.
Typical users include corporate counsel, contracting managers, small business owners, and independent contractors preparing binding commercial terms.
Use the agreement when entering vendor relationships, professional services arrangements, or when a written record of reciprocal obligations is required.
A corporate officer or duly authorized representative who has authority to bind the organization; confirm signing authority in corporate resolution or delegation for enforceability.
Legal counsel or contract manager who reviews indemnities, limitation of liability, and governing law clauses and advises on state-specific modifications.
Full legal names, business entity type, and principal places of business for each signing party.
Precise description of services or deliverables, acceptance criteria, and any milestones or deliverable schedule.
Payment amounts, invoicing schedule, taxes, and any retainers or deposits.
Effective date, duration, renewal mechanics, and termination rights including cure periods.
Statements of fact and contractual promises that support indemnity and remedy provisions.
Choice of law, forum selection, arbitration clauses, and fee-shifting or limitation of liability terms.
| Template Field | Name | Use a consistent variable name for reuse across templates |
|---|---|
| Conditional Logic | Enable | Show or hide sections based on checkbox responses |
| Signing Order | Sequential | Enforce role order for approvals |
| Authentication | SMS or email | Choose level of signer verification |
| Retention Policy | Auto-archive | Move signed copies to records repository |
Choose a signing platform that supports your required authentication, file formats, and integrations with existing systems.
| 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 | No | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Depends on plan | Depends on plan | Depends on plan |
Optica standardized contract templates to reduce turnaround time and errors on client engagements.
Martin Properties moved to online signing for property management agreements to eliminate in-person meetings.
The date when the agreement obligations commence; use MM/DD/YYYY.
Specify a date by which all parties must execute to bind the agreement.
List invoice due days (e.g., Net 30) and late fee calculations.
Define cure periods and termination notice durations in calendar days.
State how long executed originals will be retained and where.
Ensure the final version matches all negotiated terms before presenting for signatures.
Confirm notarization, witness counts, or RON requirements for the governing jurisdiction.
Coordinate in-person or remote sessions so all parties sign contemporaneously if required.
Provide identification and record the notary block or RON certificate as applicable.
Collect witness signatures where state law or document requires them.
For remote notarization, retain audio-video and identity proofing records per state rules.
If recording is required for real estate instruments, file with the county recorder.
Store signed originals or verified copies in your records system with access controls.
| Criteria | Legal Agreement McCarthy | Standard NDA |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | define exchange of services and payment | protect confidential information |
| Typical Signers | service provider and client | parties exchanging sensitive data |
| Notarization | rarely required | rarely required |
| Exhibits | common for deliverables and pricing | rare; sometimes technical specs |