Sometimes, you just need a straightforward document to outline an agreement and gather a signature.
Qwilr is great for building and sharing contracts on the web. In this guide, we’ll look at how to create a contract, collect an e-signature, and deliver a file copy to your client.
Are electronically-signed contracts legally binding?
When you build a contract in Qwilr, you'll always want to review it with your own legal advisor.
If you use our e-signature feature to collect signatures, here's what you need to know:
Our e-sign functionality complies with the requirements of Australian law, which align with the basic requirements provided for by the ESIGN Act and UETA in the USA and are recognized in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and more.
We recommend seeking legal advice on the effectiveness of e-signatures in your own country, however. Although e-signed documents are recognized as legally binding in many countries, what actually makes the document “legally binding” is in the text your client agrees to, the type of agreement, and the context of the agreement.
So an e-signature can support a legally binding contract, but it does not, by itself, make the contract legally binding. You can customize the default legal disclaimer text in Qwilr as needed to meet your local legal requirements. You might also need to add text to the block itself, outlining legal requirements or linking to your own Terms and Conditions.
Your client will have to agree to a legal statement in order to sign the contract. You'll be able to customize this statement to reflect your local legal requirements.
Step 2: What’s the structure of your contract?
Before you start building your contract in Qwilr, it's a good idea to take stock of what needs to be included.
How many sections does it contain?
What order should they be in?
How do you want the signer to move through the contract?
These details will help you choose the best layout for your contract. There are two approaches:
Two ways to lay out your contract
Qwilr Pages are made up of Blocks, which are basically sections. Some contracts are best built from one block. Some contracts need multiple blocks.
The choice really depends on how you want your client to interact with the page.
You can combine a multi-block layout with all the bells and whistles - videos, images, and a touch of flair - while including a professional, formal-looking contract that's ready to go upon acceptance.
Add yourself as a signer (if you need to countersign)
Pre-fill the names of the signers so they display in the contract
See at a glance who has signed and who hasn't.
Here's how to set up your contract signers:
What if you need to collect extra details from your client as they sign?
You can add custom fields to Qwilr's acceptance form. Add as many as you need! They're great for when you need to capture express agreement to specific points.
Step 4: What about a file copy?
Once the contract is signed, you and each signer will receive a confirmation email.
Those emails contain a link to download an "Audit Trail" PDF, which also includes copies and timestamps of each signature.
...And once the contract is signed, neither you or your client will have access to change the document.
Hopefully, by now you're ready to build your first contract.
Questions?
Feel free to email us at [email protected], or click the ? Help button in Qwilr.