Identification
Reference the original contract by title, date, and parties to avoid ambiguity.
A well‑drafted Assumption Agreement clarifies which obligations transfer, protects parties from unexpected liabilities, preserves priorities with creditors or landlords, and documents consent where required by the original contract or statute.
Parties should confirm authority to bind corporate entities and obtain any needed consents before finalizing the agreement.
Reference the original contract by title, date, and parties to avoid ambiguity.
Specify which duties, payments, and time periods the assignee will perform or indemnify.
State the date when the assignee's obligations commence and any retroactive application.
Document written consent from the original counterparty or lender if the underlying contract requires it.
Clarify whether the original party remains secondarily liable or is released from obligations.
Name the state law that will govern interpretation and enforcement of the agreement.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Required; attach date stamp |
| Conditional Field | Show consent checkbox only if lender consent required |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code for third parties |
| Routing | Sequential signer order with copy to original counterparty |
Ensure the chosen platform supports record retention and can produce a certificate of completion that preserves evidentiary details.
Follow any notice period specified in the original contract
Set per parties' agreement; affects payment and liability start
Record promptly if required by local recording statute
Report transfers affecting tax status during the tax year
Retention begins on effective date or termination, whichever later
Draft and agree precise scope of assumed obligations and any indemnities.
Request and receive written approvals from original contract counterparties or lenders.
All parties sign; notarize if required by contract or state law.
Provide copies to stakeholders and record instruments that affect public interests.
| Criteria | Assumption | Assignment | Novation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Effect | transfer obligations | transfer rights | replace party and obligations |
| Consent Required | often yes | sometimes no | |
| Original Liability | may remain | remains | released |
| Common Use | loans/leases | receivables | debt substitutions |
| 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 | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |