There is no specific rule or legal requirement for government officials to use only red, black or green ink. Or not so much obliged to fill out blue ink for these forms. So why do we have to use only blue ink? Why can`t we use red ink? Many believe that the workaround for fraud is simply to sign „For deposit only” on the back of the cheque. But Gallagher says this tactic is far from foolproof. If your spouse gets angry, he could always insist on the legal issue and claim that you stole the money. I have a question about whether legal documents signed in non-standard pen colors (anything but blue or black) are valid or not. Even if you`re legally married and have a joint bank account, it`s illegal to confirm your spouse`s name on the back of a check, says Charles R. Gallagher III, an attorney at Gallagher & Associates in St. Petersburg, Florida. Technically, signing someone else`s name is cheating. And that could result in the cheque being denied for payment and even your arrest if your spouse were to lay charges. Anyway, the pen is more powerful than the sword. (Ask anyone who regrets signing their timeshare agreement.) So what color of ink is officially legal? All colors work.
Once your child is over 18, the verification rules are the same as for your spouse. Unless you have a power of attorney or written power of attorney, signing your child`s name on the back of a cheque could be considered fraud and could result in legal action by the bank or your child. Someone told me that the letter in purple is not valid on legal documents. Signing your name on a document or check seems like a fairly simple process. The same applies to the confirmation of a cheque for a spouse or child who is out of town. But in fact, all of these actions can have unpleasant legal implications, depending on how you do them. As soon as someone puts his name on paper, he wants the words above his signature to become an indisputable law. For this reason, legal documents have strict rules designed to avoid loopholes, subsequent negotiations, and future litigation.
In most cases, for example, legal documents must be signed with a pen. The use of other writing tools is rare: you don`t want to sign a legally binding document in pencil – although a signature with a pencil is still legally binding, despite what you might have suspected. You could sign with a pencil, and the document would still be legitimate. However, most people know that it is not recommended because common sense dictates the use of permanent ink. Pencil marks can be removed and the validity of the document questioned. It is normal to expect a signature to be in permanent ink. A signature in pencil or erasable ink may be legal, but the other party will not want to accept it, and it would be reasonable to stick to it. The color of the ink you use isn`t the only potential legal pitfall signatures can bring.
Let`s say your spouse is out of town and you want to deposit an expense check or discount for your partner. You could be in legal trouble. I carry a purple pen that is used for everyday writing tasks, and when I wanted to sign a document, someone told me that writing in purple is not valid on legal documents. Even if you deposit the money into your child`s personal bank account, it is illegal to sign your name or your child`s name on the back of the check that grandma sends to a minor for a holiday or birthday gift. Documents in blue ink are considered „originals”. A signature in blue ink is more difficult to reproduce and easily distinguishes an original document. We know there are colour copiers, but most financial and law firms use standard black ink copiers on a daily basis. Some legal documents and financial records may require blue ink. This includes documents such as credit card applications. This is because the use of black (or any other color) can trigger indicators for fraudulent cheques or credit card applications, as they cannot tell if they are original documents versus a photocopy.
In a more romantic sense, what can make you feel more dignified and complete than creating something permanent with a tool that feels worthy of action? An elegant stainless steel pin that sits comfortably in the palm of your hand makes the magnitude of the situation all the more important. Modern Fuel`s luxury writing instruments come with luxurious black ink, which makes any legal document even more important. Ask your spouse and adult child to sign their own cheques – never in red ink – and get authorization if you need to bank on their behalf. Stock up on blue ink pens and save fancy ink colors for birthday cards. They will avoid legal trouble. You shouldn`t just use the first pen you find when it comes to signing professional or legal documents. It`s important that you consider professional colors when filling out business forms. You don`t want to use red, purple or green. To be sure, it is best to use blue or black ink. But determining which color is acceptable doesn`t have to be difficult. I don`t know of any law governing the color of ink required to sign a legal document. Someone can`t walk out of a deal or contract just because they signed with the wrong color.
However, if the instructions for signing a document state that it must be signed in a specific color, these instructions must be followed. The meaning of writing has existed for centuries: the first forms of written expression date back to 3500 BC. Over the centuries, writing has become in many ways more restrictive than oral communication. Whether it`s an X or a meticulously written entire name, a few strokes of pencil can become an unbreakable promise. The opinions expressed by the individual author are for informational purposes only and not as legal advice. Contact a lawyer for a specific problem or problem. It`s not fair. If purple is not photocopied well, the other party could reasonably ask for a color that does. But a signature is usually only proof of acceptance of the terms, and it is the agreement that is legally important. The color of the ink used does not change the agreement. Law Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for lawyers, students, and others with experience or interest in law.