Are electronic signatures valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid across interstate commerce under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and under state UETA rules where adopted; exceptions such as wills and some court filings may still require wet signatures.

When does a variation need notarization?

Notarization is generally unnecessary for simple contract amendments, but if the variation amends a recorded instrument (for example, a deed) follow the recording jurisdiction’s notarization and witness rules.

How do I correct a signed variation?

Corrections usually require a second signed amendment or a corrective variation signed by all parties. Avoid handwritten changes on an executed document unless re-executed by authorized signers.

Who can sign on behalf of a company?

Only individuals with actual authority under corporate bylaws or a power-of-attorney should sign. Verify signatory authority in writing to reduce risk of challenge.

Can a variation change payment terms retroactively?

Yes, if parties explicitly agree; the variation must state any retroactive effect clearly and include consideration where required by contract law.

How long should I keep executed variations?

Retain executed variations for the contract term plus statutory retention periods: at least 3 years for IRS purposes and up to 6 years for HIPAA-related records, with longer state-specific retention possible.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Legal
Variation Agreement Template

Variation Agreement Template

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

VARIATION AGREEMENT

This Variation Agreement (the Agreement) is made between Client Name: , Address: ("Party A"), and Client Name: , Address: ("Party B"), effective as of Effective Date: .

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Party A and Party B entered into an agreement titled Original Agreement: dated Original Agreement Date: (the Original Agreement); and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to vary certain terms of the Original Agreement as set forth in this Agreement in accordance with the amendment provisions of the Original Agreement, and to confirm the continuing effect of the remaining provisions of the Original Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and other good and valuable consideration the sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS

1.1. Defined terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings given to them in the Original Agreement. For the purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions apply: "Variation" means the amendments set out in Schedule A to this Agreement and the descriptions contained in Clause 2.

2. VARIATION

2.1. The parties agree that, as of the Effective Date, the provisions of the Original Agreement are varied as specified in this Clause 2 and in Schedule A attached hereto. The particular clauses to be varied, replaced or supplemented are described below.

Summary of Variations

2.2. To the extent of any inconsistency between the Original Agreement and the variations set out in this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall prevail. Except as expressly amended by this Agreement, all other terms and conditions of the Original Agreement remain in full force and effect.

3. EFFECT ON OTHER PROVISIONS

3.1. The parties acknowledge and agree that the variations made by this Agreement are intended to be a partial modification only. Except to the extent expressly varied, the Original Agreement remains binding and enforceable.

4. CONSIDERATION

4.1. In consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement, the parties agree that the variation set out herein is supported by the following consideration:

Monetary Consideration (if any)

4.2. If no additional monetary consideration is payable, indicate here: No additional consideration

5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.1. Each party represents and warrants that: (a) it has full power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement; (b) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations will not violate any law or agreement binding on it; and (c) all corporate or other authorizations required by the party have been obtained.

5.2. Each party acknowledges that it has had the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice in relation to the variations effected by this Agreement and that it enters into this Agreement voluntarily.

6. CONTINUING EFFECT

6.1. Except as expressly varied by this Agreement, the Original Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. Any obligations that by their nature are to be performed after termination or expiration of the Original Agreement shall survive in accordance with the Original Agreement as modified by this Agreement.

7. NOTICES

7.1. All notices, requests, consents and other communications under this Agreement must be in writing and delivered to the addresses set out below (or such other address as a party may notify in writing).

Notice Address for Party A Contact Person for Party A Notice Address for Party B Contact Person for Party B

8. AMENDMENTS AND WAIVER

8.1. No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties. No failure or delay by a party in exercising any right under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of that right.

9. COUNTERPARTS

9.1. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Each counterpart constitutes an original and all counterparts together constitute one instrument.

10. GOVERNING LAW

10.1. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Governing Jurisdiction: , without regard to conflict of laws principles.

11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

11.1. This Agreement, together with the Original Agreement as varied, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties in respect of the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations and agreements, whether written or oral, relating to that subject matter.

12. SEVERABILITY

12.1. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

SCHEDULE A — DETAILS OF VARIATION

Specific Provisions to be Varied, Replaced or Added Additional Terms or Conditions (if any)

Party A

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Party B

Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What a Variation Agreement Template Is and When It’s Used

A Variation Agreement Template is a written amendment that changes specific terms of an existing contract without replacing the entire agreement. It records agreed modifications — such as changes to scope, price, timelines, or delivery — and ties them to the original contract by reference. The template standardizes language for clarity, lists affected clauses, identifies effective dates, and requires signatures from authorized parties so the amendment is legally attributable and enforceable under applicable electronic signature laws.

Why a Clear Variation Agreement Matters

Using a formal Variation Agreement Template reduces disputes by documenting the parties’ precise intent, dates, and revised obligations; it supports enforceability under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA rules where applicable.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs a Variation Agreement

Tailor the template to the organization’s approval workflow and include signatory authority lines to avoid signatures from unauthorized persons.

Contracting parties and in-house counsel who negotiate and approve contractual changes.
Project managers or account executives who need schedule or scope adjustments documented.
Third-party vendors, subcontractors, or clients who must accept revised payment or delivery terms.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Variation Agreement

Follow a consistent sequence to ensure the amendment is clear, enforceable, and stored correctly.

01

Identify Contract: Reference original agreement title, date, and parties.
02

Describe Variation: State exactly which clauses change and how.
03

Set Effective Date: Specify the date obligations change or resume.
04

Sign and Date: Obtain authorized signatures and signature dates.

Essential Sections to Include in a Professional Template

A complete Variation Agreement Template keeps revisions concise, legally clear, and easy to track across contract lifecycle systems.

Preamble

Identify the original agreement and parties, state the purpose of the variation, and include references that uniquely identify the contract being amended.

Amendment Clause

Specify which sections are deleted, replaced, or supplemented. Use precise clause numbers and include redlined text or an annex for lengthy replacements.

Effective Date

State the effective date for the amendment separately from the signing date when they differ; clarify retroactive effects if any.

Consideration

Record any new payment terms, credits, or non-monetary consideration and how and when payments are due under the amended terms.

Authority and Signatures

Include signatory blocks with printed name, title, and signature lines. Confirm that signers have authority under company bylaws or power of attorney.

Miscellaneous

Include governing law, dispute resolution, and an integration clause confirming the variation and original agreement together form the contract.

Required Fields at a Glance

Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY

Parties: Full legal names

Variation Details: Clause numbers and text

Consideration: Specific amount or description

Governing Law: Named state

Signatory Authority: Title and date

Configuring an Online Variation Workflow

Set up fields, routing, and authentication to match internal approvals and compliance needs before sending for signatures.

Field	Configuration
Signature	Required; include signer name and date fields
Initials	Optional; used for multi-page changes
Attachments	Allow supporting exhibits or redlines
Routing	Sequential or parallel signer order

Where to Send or File the Signed Variation

Decide who receives executed copies and whether the amendment requires filing or recording with a public office.

Internal Archive: Store executed PDF in contract repository
Counterparty: Deliver fully executed copy to all parties
Project Team: Share revised scope and schedule with stakeholders
Public Filing: Record only if original instrument required recording

Digital Signing and System Requirements

Ensure the platform complies with ESIGN and UETA, and check HIPAA or other industry requirements where applicable for sensitive data handling.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
Integrations: CRM and document storage connectors
Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced methods

Key Dates and Timelines to Track

Track signing, effectiveness, notice periods, and any filing or recording deadlines linked to the variation.

Execution Date:

Date parties sign the variation

Effective Date:

When amended obligations begin (may be retroactive)

Notice Periods:

Any contractual notice changes take effect per clause

Internal Approval Window:

Allow time for legal and finance sign-off

Recording Deadline:

If required, follow county/state recording timelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to reference the original agreement precisely, creating uncertainty about which contract is amended.
Using vague language for changes (for example, 'extend term reasonably') instead of specific dates or durations.
Leaving signatory authority unchecked, resulting in signatures that cannot bind an organization.
Neglecting to update related schedules, exhibits, or payment instructions that the variation affects.

Risks and Potential Consequences

Unenforceability: Ambiguous amendments may not be enforceable

Tax Exposure: Incorrect consideration reporting may trigger IRS issues

Authority Dispute: Signatures by unauthorized persons risk invalidation

Late Performance: Missed deadlines can lead to damages

Privacy Breach: Improper handling of sensitive attachments risks HIPAA/FERPA exposure

Filing Penalties: Failure to record when required may impair rights

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Variation Agreements

Comparison of common vendor price points and capabilities relevant when planning eSignature workflows for contract amendments.

	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	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes (Premium)	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions About Variation Agreements

Answers to common legal and practical questions when preparing, signing, and storing a variation.

Need help? Contact support

Are electronic signatures valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid across interstate commerce under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and under state UETA rules where adopted; exceptions such as wills and some court filings may still require wet signatures.
When does a variation need notarization?
Notarization is generally unnecessary for simple contract amendments, but if the variation amends a recorded instrument (for example, a deed) follow the recording jurisdiction’s notarization and witness rules.
How do I correct a signed variation?
Corrections usually require a second signed amendment or a corrective variation signed by all parties. Avoid handwritten changes on an executed document unless re-executed by authorized signers.
Who can sign on behalf of a company?
Only individuals with actual authority under corporate bylaws or a power-of-attorney should sign. Verify signatory authority in writing to reduce risk of challenge.
Can a variation change payment terms retroactively?
Yes, if parties explicitly agree; the variation must state any retroactive effect clearly and include consideration where required by contract law.
How long should I keep executed variations?
Retain executed variations for the contract term plus statutory retention periods: at least 3 years for IRS purposes and up to 6 years for HIPAA-related records, with longer state-specific retention possible.

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