Also known as: vocis signatae · signed voice · signature
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A formal signature or technical word or phrase employed in legal instruments to convey precise meaning or authenticate the document.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Violet Vidal executes a deed transferring land to Velocity Logistics. She includes the formal phrase 'grant, bargain, and sell' as the words of conveyance. The grantee accepts delivery, satisfying all deed requirements and passing valid title.
Viola Volkov and Vivian Velez, sole shareholders of Vega Motors, sign a written consent adopting a merger resolution. The consent bears each signature date and describes the action taken. Delivery to the corporation satisfies the statute and binds the company without a meeting.
Vincent Vale's attorney signs and serves a discovery response in federal litigation. The signature certifies reasonable inquiry and completeness under the rules. Opposing counsel may rely on the certification without further verification.
Veronica Varela directs her agent to sign a power of attorney in her conscious presence. She later acknowledges the signature before a notary. The formal execution creates a presumption of genuineness for third parties.
Viktor Voronin sends a signed letter offering to sell land to Venture Holdings. The buyer accepts orally. The pre-contract writing satisfies the statute because the offeror's signature authenticates the terms.
Violet Vidal, unable to sign her international will, directs the authorized person to sign her name. The authorized person notes the reason and the direction on the document. The will remains valid despite the testator's physical inability.
It refers to a formal or technical word chosen to carry precise legal effect in instruments such as deeds or consents.
Formal words ensure the instrument meets statutory or common-law requirements for validity, such as words of conveyance in a deed or dated signatures on consents.
No. The signature must accompany the correct technical language and other elements such as property description or action description to render the document effective.
…commissions for justices of the peace signed by Mr. Adams were recorded; after being prepared they were carried to Mr. Adams for signature and then back to the Secretary's office where the seal was affixed. Commissions were not usually delivered from the office before they were recorded though sometimes they were. He believed…