Primary Agreement
Complete operative text with defined terms and signature blocks so parties clearly understand rights and obligations; exhibits should be referenced and appended.
A complete package reduces ambiguity about parties, effective dates, signatures, and required attachments, improving enforceability and reducing downstream disputes under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA rules. Accurate packaging also helps meet industry or regulator-specific retention and authentication requirements.
Proper identification of each user role and their responsibilities can prevent signature errors and delays in filing or recording.
General Counsel or outside counsel reviews legal terms, identifies statutory risks, and confirms that the signature blocks and governing law clause are consistent with corporate authority and risk tolerance.
An authorized officer or corporate designee signs for the entity, confirms the effective date, and ensures attachments such as exhibits, disclosures, or Certificates of Good Standing are present where required.
Complete operative text with defined terms and signature blocks so parties clearly understand rights and obligations; exhibits should be referenced and appended.
Fields for printed name, title, signature, and date for each party; include capacity language (e.g., on behalf of entity) and printed name for attribution.
Any consumer or statutory disclosure necessary for ESIGN compliance or industry regulation, including paper-option and consent language when required.
Attachments that provide material facts or calculations (schedules, exhibits, warranties) so the agreement is enforceable as an integrated document.
Steps for identity proofing, notarization or witness blocks, and an audit trail to document signer intent and attribution.
Clear guidance about where to store originals and electronic copies and how long to retain them under applicable federal or state rules.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signing order | Sequential or parallel routing based on role. |
| Authentication method | Email link, SMS code, or knowledge-based verification. |
| Attachment requirements | Require specific exhibits be uploaded before signing. |
| Post-sign distribution | Automatic delivery to parties and secure archive. |
Ensure the platform you select supports required storage encryption and produces an audit trail suitable for legal or regulatory review.
Provide supporting tax forms on time; delays can create penalties.
State filings and recordation often have specific local deadlines.
Retain I-9s per federal rules after hire or termination.
Notarizations should occur according to notarial law and record requirements.
Effective and termination dates affect performance obligations.
Agreement and exhibits finalized and reviewed.
Confirm identities, authority, and required attachments.
Signatures obtained and audit trail captured.
Final copies delivered and preserved per retention rules.
| Criteria | Electronic Signature | Digital Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | any e-process | pki-based cryptographic |
| Non-repudiation | audit trail dependent | certificate-backed strong |
| Typical use | contracts, consents | regulated records, fda |
| Legal acceptance | esign/ueta accept | accepted when required |
| 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 | Trial available | Trial available | Trial available | Trial available |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.
We felt most comfortable with a SOC 2–compliant workflow focused on ESIGN and UETA compliance.