If someone signs documents with a non legal adoptive name do all documents become null and void?

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If someone signs documents with a non legal adoptive name do all documents become null and void?

My mother was never adopted by my grandmother but she has always used my grandmothers name on all legal papers. If she signed papers with my grandmothers last name not being legally my mothers last name do all legal documents become null and void?

Asked on June 7, 2018 under Estate Planning, New York

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

No, they do not automatically become null and void. The purpose of signing a contract or other document is to show your agreement to it and acceptance of its terms. If she used the name she always used, that clearly shows that it was *her* signing and therefore that she agreed to or accepted the documents. People who are fully illiterate or who have muscular or neurological deficits can sign by an "X" as long as the circumstances show it was them signing; similarly, using a name you like to go by is legal.

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

No, they do not automatically become null and void. The purpose of signing a contract or other document is to show your agreement to it and acceptance of its terms. If she used the name she always used, that clearly shows that it was *her* signing and therefore that she agreed to or accepted the documents. People who are fully illiterate or who have muscular or neurological deficits can sign by an "X" as long as the circumstances show it was them signing; similarly, using a name you like to go by is legal.


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