Can the engagement be signed electronically?

Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws, most engagement letters may be signed electronically if signer shows intent, consents to electronic records, signature attribution is reliable, and the record can be retained and reproduced.

How do I verify authorized signers?

Confirm corporate authority via board resolution, corporate authorization, or officer certification. For individuals, compare government-issued photo ID. For third-party agents, attach power-of-attorney documentation. Document the verification method in the file to support enforceability.

Are notarization or witnesses required for this document?

Generally, engagement letters do not require notarization or witnesses. Certain ancillary documents (deeds, durable powers of attorney, wills) have state-specific notarization or witness rules. Check state law for those documents; the engagement letter may reference required execution steps.

How long must I retain the signed file?

Retention depends on document content: keep tax-related records at least 3 years (IRC §6501(a)); HIPAA-regulated materials for 6 years (45 CFR §164.530(j)); retain contracts for at least the term plus several years, commonly seven for post-termination preservation.

Is remote online notarization available here?

Many states permit Remote Online Notarization (RON) but requirements vary. RON typically requires identity proofing, audio-video recording, and retention of the notarial session. Verify the state's notary commission rules and recordkeeping obligations before using RON.

Which eSignature platforms meet compliance needs?

Platforms that support ESIGN/UETA, provide audit trails, and offer relevant certifications (SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, HIPAA BAA where needed, 21 CFR Part 11) meet common compliance criteria. Evaluate vendor certifications, encryption standards, and BAA availability for healthcare.

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Wells Marble Hurst PLLC

Wells Marble Hurst PLLC

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

ESTATE PLANNING DATA

Date of Interview:

Prepared by:

Persons Present:

Client's Name:

Date of Birth:

SS#:

Spouse's Name:

Date of Birth:

SS#:

Home Address

County of Residence:

Home Phone:

Client Business Address:

Spouse Business Address:

Client Business Phone:

Spouse Business Phone:

Children's Names, Addresses, Telephone Number and Birth Date: (Continue on back if necessary)

Child 1 DOB:

Address: Telephone:

Child 2 DOB:

Address: Telephone:

Child 3 DOB:

Address: Telephone:

Child 4 DOB:

Address: Telephone:

Are both spouses U.S. citizens? Y N

Any possibility of additional children? Y N

Any children by prior marriages/divorces? Y N

Any dependents other than children? Y N

If so, please describe:

Any family members with special needs? Y N

If so, please describe:

Do you own real property outside the State of ____________? Y N

If so, please describe on separate sheet.

WILL INFORMATION:

1. SPECIFIC BEQUESTS/DEVISES.

A. Beneficiary Item of Property or Amount of Cash

1.

2.

3.

4.

DISPOSITION OF RESIDUARY ESTATE.

A. If your spouse survives you, how do you want the balance of your estate to be distributed?

B. Should your spouse's share be:

1. Outright?

2. In trust?

a) If a trust is established for your children, should it be distributed to them at the death of the survivor of you and your spouse? Y N

If not, at what age(s) do you wish it to terminate?

Portion (1/3, 1/2, etc.): Age:

1.

2.

3.

4.

C. If a child dies prior to the time the trust is to terminate and distribute to the child, which option do you prefer?:

Property passes directly to his descendants, per stirpes.

Property passes to remaining siblings.

D. How do you wish your estate to be distributed if you are not survived by your spouse, your children or any grandchildren?

EXECUTON

Who do you wish to serve as Executor of your estate? The Executor will be responsible for gathering estate assets, paying debts, taxes and expenses, probating will, filing tax returns, and distributing estate assets as provided under the will. After the estate is closed, the Executor is discharged and his task is completed. The Executor may be your spouse, another individual or a financial institution, or a combination.

Client

name:

address:

Spouse

name:

address:

In the event the above cannot serve, please name two alternates.

First Alternate:

Client

name:

address:

Spouse

name:

address:

Second Alternate:

Client

name:

address:

Spouse

name:

address:

TRUSTS

TRUSTEE:

Whom do you wish to serve as Trustee of any trusts established under your will? The Trustee will receive the trust's share of estate assets and will administer them under the terms of the trust until it terminates. Most likely the Trustee will be required to serve for a longer period of time than the Executor. Trustee may be an individual, a financial institution, or a combination. It may not be appropriate for your spouse to serve as Trustee.

Client

name:

address:

Spouse

name:

address:

Co-trustee (if any):

name:

address:

name:

address:

In the event your individual trustee cannot serve, please name two alternates.

First Alternate:

Client

name:

address:

Spouse

name:

address:

Second Alternate:

name:

address:

name:

address:

GUARDIANSHIPS

Whom do you wish to serve as Guardian of your minor children if both you and your spouse are deceased? The Guardian would take care of the personal needs of your children. The Guardian, Trustee, and Executor can (but do not have to) be the same persons. While the Executor and Trustee can be financial institutions, the Guardian of the person of your minor children should be an individual or individuals.

Client

name:

address:

Spouse

name:

address:

In the event the above cannot serve, please name two alternates.

First Alternate:

name:

address:

name:

address:

Second Alternate:

name:

address:

name:

address:

What the Wells Marble Hurst PLLC document is

The Wells Marble Hurst PLLC document is a standard law firm engagement and authorization package used to establish representation, define scope of legal services, allocate responsibilities, and record fee arrangements between the firm and clients. It commonly includes client identification, scope of work, fee and billing provisions, conflict disclosures, confidentiality terms, and signature blocks. This page explains what the document contains, the legal effects under U.S. electronic-signature law, practical completion steps, state variations, retention guidance, and options for secure electronic execution through compliant eSignature platforms.

Why a formal engagement document matters

Using a formal Wells Marble Hurst PLLC engagement document clarifies client and firm expectations, establishes fee and confidentiality terms, and creates a record that supports compliance with ESIGN and state electronic-transaction laws when executed electronically with appropriate consent and retention.

Who typically completes this engagement package

Typical users include individuals, corporate clients, and outside counsel engaging Wells Marble Hurst PLLC for legal representation or document review.

Small businesses engaging the firm for transactional work, contracts, and litigation support.
Individuals retaining counsel for estate planning, family law, or civil matters.
Financial institutions and corporate clients requiring transactional, compliance, or regulatory representation.

Firms, in-house legal teams, and third-party agents also use this document to standardize intake and authorize electronic signatures.

Representative signer profiles

Corporate CFO

A corporate CFO provides billing details, authorized signatory names, and conflict disclosures. They must verify authority to bind the company and confirm acceptance of electronic service and billing terms before signing.

Individual Client

An individual client supplies full legal name, government ID for identity verification, contact details, and any power-of-attorney documentation. Accurate personal data ensures valid signature attribution and reduces processing delays. It also clarifies fee billing and retention preferences.

Core sections to include in the engagement document

Core sections of the Wells Marble Hurst PLLC engagement document outline scope, fees, confidentiality, conflicts, client responsibilities, and signature provisions.

Scope of Work

Define specific legal services to be provided, deliverables, and exclusions. Clearly setting scope avoids disputes over additional work and provides a basis for fee adjustments or separate engagement letters when tasks fall outside the original agreement.

Fees & Billing

Specify billing rates, retainers, invoicing frequency, expense reimbursement, and conditions for fee increases. Include dispute-resolution steps and whether electronic delivery of invoices is acceptable for client consent and record retention.

Confidentiality

Detail attorney-client privilege, limits on disclosure, exceptions required by law, and any data-handling obligations. Address electronic storage, encryption, and third-party access to protect privileged communications under legal ethics rules.

Conflicts

Describe conflict-check procedures, client consent mechanisms, and steps if a disqualifying conflict is discovered. Include waiver language and timeframes for notifying affected parties and withdrawing if necessary.

Client Duties

List client responsibilities such as providing truthful information, timely documents, decision-making authority, and payment. Clarify consequences of noncooperation, including suspension of services or additional costs.

Signature Terms

State who may sign on each party's behalf, effective date, and whether electronic signatures are accepted. Reference ESIGN and applicable state law for electronic execution and retention requirements.

Essential fields required in the document

Client Full Name: Legal name as on ID

Client Address: Street, city, state, ZIP

Tax ID (TIN/EIN): Provide exact number on W-9

Scope of Representation: Clear service description and limitations

Fee Arrangement: Hourly, flat fee, or contingency

Signature and Date: Signer name, capacity, MM/DD/YYYY

Step-by-step: complete and execute the engagement

Follow these steps to complete and execute the Wells Marble Hurst PLLC engagement package accurately.

01

Collect Documents: Gather IDs, organizational records, and prior agreements.
02

Confirm Parties: Verify legal names and signing authority for each party.
03

Set Scope: Describe services, deliverables, and excluded tasks.
04

Sign & Retain: Execute signatures, date, and store executed copy securely.

Where signed engagements are routed

Typical routing shows how signed engagements move from client to firm records and, where needed, to third parties or courts.

Send to Firm: Email or upload executed copy to intake mailbox.
Firm Records: Firm saves to client file and case management system.
Third Parties: Share redacted copies with opposing counsel or lenders.
Court Filings: File signed documents per local court rules when required.

How to set up an online completion workflow

Configure an online workflow to automate field placement, signer order, authentication, and storage for the engagement document.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Sequential or parallel signing with role assignment
Authentication	Email link, SMS code, or KBA if required
Conditional Fields	Show or hide fields based on prior answers
Storage	Save PDFs to cloud storage with audit trail

Platform capability checklist for electronic execution

Select platform features that meet security, compliance, and integration needs for electronic execution across your firm systems.

Security: TLS and AES-256 encryption in transit and at rest
Compliance: ESIGN, UETA, HIPAA BAA available
Integrations: Connectors for NetSuite, Salesforce, Google Workspace

Key timing expectations and processing windows

Key timing expectations for engagement letters cover acceptance, payment terms, renewal options, and statutory filing or reporting obligations.

Acceptance Window:

Client should sign or object within 14 days of receipt.

Retainer Due:

Retainer payable upon acceptance unless alternate terms stated.

Billing Cycle:

Invoices issued monthly or per milestone as specified.

Document Processing Time:

Allow one to three business days for administrative processing of signed files.

Tax/Reporting Deadlines:

Follow IRS schedules; e.g., 1099 and W-2 due dates per IRS rules.

Consequences of incorrect or incomplete execution

Invalid Signature: May render agreement unenforceable

Incorrect Signatory: Voidable if signer lacked authority

Tax Penalties: Backup withholding or IRC penalties

Notarization Failures: Recording or probate delays may occur

Confidentiality Breach: HIPAA violations risk fines

Data Loss: Inadequate retention harms evidence

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

Using informal or ambiguous scope descriptions that later cause disputes over responsibilities, billing, or deliverables; be specific about inclusions and exclusions to avoid litigation.
Failing to verify signatory authority for corporate clients, which can lead to contract rescission or demands for ratification; request corporate resolutions or evidence of authority.
Omitting consent language for electronic signatures in consumer-facing agreements, potentially violating ESIGN disclosure requirements and risking unenforceability.
Not aligning retention schedules with HIPAA, IRS, or state law, causing noncompliance fines or inability to produce records in audits or litigation.

Vendor pricing and capability snapshot for eSignatures

Comparison of common eSignature vendors for executing the Wells Marble Hurst PLLC engagement document, with signNow listed first per platform data.

	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	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently asked questions about signing and storage

Common questions about completing, signing, and storing the Wells Marble Hurst PLLC engagement document and electronic execution options.

Need help? Contact support

Can the engagement be signed electronically?
Yes. Under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws, most engagement letters may be signed electronically if signer shows intent, consents to electronic records, signature attribution is reliable, and the record can be retained and reproduced.
How do I verify authorized signers?
Confirm corporate authority via board resolution, corporate authorization, or officer certification. For individuals, compare government-issued photo ID. For third-party agents, attach power-of-attorney documentation. Document the verification method in the file to support enforceability.
Are notarization or witnesses required for this document?
Generally, engagement letters do not require notarization or witnesses. Certain ancillary documents (deeds, durable powers of attorney, wills) have state-specific notarization or witness rules. Check state law for those documents; the engagement letter may reference required execution steps.
How long must I retain the signed file?
Retention depends on document content: keep tax-related records at least 3 years (IRC §6501(a)); HIPAA-regulated materials for 6 years (45 CFR §164.530(j)); retain contracts for at least the term plus several years, commonly seven for post-termination preservation.
Is remote online notarization available here?
Many states permit Remote Online Notarization (RON) but requirements vary. RON typically requires identity proofing, audio-video recording, and retention of the notarial session. Verify the state's notary commission rules and recordkeeping obligations before using RON.
Which eSignature platforms meet compliance needs?
Platforms that support ESIGN/UETA, provide audit trails, and offer relevant certifications (SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, HIPAA BAA where needed, 21 CFR Part 11) meet common compliance criteria. Evaluate vendor certifications, encryption standards, and BAA availability for healthcare.

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