In a fast paced world like today, it often feels right to sign papers and documents without reading them extensively. People try to save time and get rid of legal tasks as soon as possible. However, signing documents without proper understanding and reading can cause big problems. It is very risky to sign documents without understanding in detail the intricacies of legal matters. Here are some potential risks that you will expose yourself to if you do not sign papers after reading them completely.
Legal risks
Documents contain legal clauses such as property division details and regulation. There might be additional clauses you have no idea about which you might agree to. Specially in cases of estate planning a single clause can change the whole narrative of the situation. Everything you have worked for might go away just because of one little term or condition. Make sure you read every clause properly and seek legal help if you don’t understand any particular part, only than sign.
Financial risks
Legal documents carry financial details that have serious monetary consequences. If you don’t read your legal documents well you may just ignore additional costs, fines and costs that you may not be ready to pay. Sometimes these financial obligations are so high that paying them may cost you your whole fortune. For example papers that family law attorneys bring have costs of child support and spouse support mentioned which might be too much to pay for you later on.
Obligations
The greatest risk of signing legal documents without reading is that You might unknowingly agree to terms and obligations that you do not want to. Documents contain terms and conditions that if you sign and agree to you are obligated to fulfill. Agreements such as lease documents, service contracts, may commit you to long term obligations that you will not be informed about if you do not read them. You can get stuck with these responsibilities at times even for years.
Personal impacts
Signing documents in cases like child custody issues and divorce matters one clause may change your whole family structure before you even know it. Signing documents can disturb your whole family and lose the right to see or meet your loved ones. Understand that once you have signed a document and legally agreed to something there is very little chance of you getting rid of that situation. There is nothing you can do about it once those documents are submitted to the court.
Professional consequences
One document can change your professional life forever. Accidentally signing some papers without reading them regarding your office work or professional life might get you involved in fraudulent activities. These documents and signatures are actually legal proof of agreeing or disagreeing to things you might or might not have done. Consequently there is not only a chance of losing your job and reputation but also a risk of getting charged by something you might not even have done.
Legal documents are a serious thing to deal with. Poor management of such issues and thoughtlessly signed documents might lead you into very troublesome situations. It is recommended to read all the papers you are supposed to sign in detail and understand the meaning of each and every mention before actually signing. Ask you legal advisor in case you do not know the meaning of any particular part before you put you pen on that paper.
Have A Look :-
About The Author
