Legal names and signatures

[kkersey_austin]

> Shaun:
> > He can sign his name as 'Edward' and nothing else, and it is his
> > legal signature

Isn't there a usually an "R" (for "Rex" or "Regina") following? I have
a vague recollection of "Elizabeth R" being the title of a movie or
public TV series from way back... 

Random832:
> I thought that in most common law jurisdictions (including, among
> others, 49 of the 50 United States, EnglandAndWales, and Canada [but
> not Quebec]) any mark made with one's own hand (if intended as a
> signature of course) was a legal signature? That is, I could sign as
> "Edward" and it would be a legal signature for me despite it not even
> being my name. There are practical matters regarding authentication of
> course, but my handwriting is reasonably distinct and if I were to
> make a habit of signing in that way that would not be an issue, and in
> that case I don't believe there's any law saying that's not a legal
> signature.

I'm guessing you've never bought a house! Or maybe I live in that 50th
state with different laws, but I *think* that would be Lousisiana... 

Anyway, I'm pretty sure I had to sign with my *full* legal name, not
my usual signature, on what seemed like an innumerable forms. I think
I've had to sign full legal name on other documents, e.g. medical
forms, too. 

When writing checks, I think you can sign any way you like; as long as
the bearer can convince the bank it was you I guess it would be
"legal". The bank itself may have its own standards.


Elisabet, who is not a lawyer and does not play one on the internet -
just relating her own experience.