Can I use my non-legal personal name when signing business contracts on behalf of my company?
Can I use my non-legal personal name when signing business contracts on behalf of my company?
Each company has its own unique legal structure and depending on what that structure is, using your non-legal personal name may be fine in some cases but not others.
The sole owner of the company
If you're the sole owner of your company and you do all of the work, you can use whatever name you like when signing business contracts on behalf of your company. However, if you have partners or other shareholders involved in your business, they may have a say in how the company's legal documents are named.
Contract
If a contract states that it's between two or more people (such as "John Smith and Jane Doe"), then all of those people must sign it in order for it to be valid. If one of them is signing on behalf of a company that isn't owned by that person, he or she will need to clarify that fact by adding after his or her signature, under the word "president" (for U.S.-based companies), the legal name of the corporation followed by "by" and then his or her name, according to Business News Daily.
Example
If John Smith was president of his corporation and was signing a contract on behalf of his company with Jane Doe and Joe Blow, he would write "John Smith President of ABC Company by John Smith."
Why is it best to consult your business lawyer?
When you are a small business owner, it can be difficult to know where to turn when you need legal advice. You may not feel comfortable asking a close friend who is a lawyer, and you might be reluctant to ask someone you don't know well or pay for a consultation with an attorney whose services you aren't sure you'll need. This can leave you feeling stressed about making decisions for your business.
Making sure your attorney has experience
You should make sure that the attorney you come in contact with has experience in the specific area of law that pertains to your situation. You will want to speak with someone who is familiar with the unique aspects of running a small business. For example, if you are concerned about being sued by one of your customers, you will want to work with an attorney who knows how to handle commercial litigation. An experienced attorney can help guide you in the right direction as far as how much insurance you might need and how to set up a contract with customers.
If you have questions, you can get a free consultation with the Best Business Lawyers.
Parklin Law - Business Lawyer
5772 W 8030 S, # N206
West Jordan UT 84081
(801) 618-0699
