Signature blocks formalize contract execution by providing spaces for authorized signatories to sign and date agreements. Incorrect signature blocks create execution defects risking contract enforceability. If a corporation signs without indicating signatory authority, questions arise about whether the individual could bind the entity. Format varies by entity type—corporation, LLC, partnership, or individual.
Signature Block Templates by Entity Type
Corporation
[CORPORATION NAME], a [State] corporation By: _____________________________ Name: ___________________________ Title: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________
LLC (Manager-Managed)
[LLC NAME], a [State] limited liability company By: _____________________________ Name: ___________________________ Title: Manager Date: ___________________________
LLC (Member-Managed)
[LLC NAME], a [State] limited liability company By: _____________________________ Name: ___________________________ Title: Member Date: ___________________________
General Partnership
[PARTNERSHIP NAME], a [State] general partnership By: _____________________________ Name: ___________________________ Title: General Partner Date: ___________________________
Individual
_____________________________ [INDIVIDUAL NAME] Date: ___________________________
Individual Acting in Fiduciary Capacity
_____________________________ [INDIVIDUAL NAME], as Trustee of [TRUST NAME] Date: ___________________________
Why Format Matters
Common Signature Block Problems
| Problem | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Missing title line | Unclear if signatory has authority to bind entity | Include "Title:" line (CEO, President, Authorized Signatory) |
| No entity identification | Ambiguity: personal vs. representative liability | Include entity name, state, type ("a Delaware corporation") |
| Missing date line | Uncertainty about when obligations commence | Include "Date:" line for execution date |
| Wrong entity type | Signatory role may not match entity structure | Use "Manager" for LLCs, not "President" |
Counterpart Execution Language
**Standard Counterpart Provision:** This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Facsimile or electronic signatures shall be deemed original signatures for all purposes.
Contact Information in Signature Blocks
**Extended Format with Notice Address:** [CORPORATION NAME], a [State] corporation Address: ________________________ Email: __________________________ By: _____________________________ Name: ___________________________ Title: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________
Nested Signature Blocks (Entity as GP)
**Limited Partnership with Corporate General Partner:**
[LP NAME], a [State] limited partnership
By: [GP CORP NAME], its General Partner
By: _____________________________
Name: ___________________________
Title: President of [GP CORP NAME]
Date: ___________________________
Frequently Asked Questions About Signature Blocks
What title should LLC signatories use?
"Manager" for manager-managed LLCs; "Member" for member-managed LLCs. Using corporate titles like "President" suggests confusion about entity structure. Check the operating agreement to confirm management structure and use the correct title.
Should I include the entity's formation state?
Yes—it helps verify authority and identifies governing law. "ABC Corp., a Delaware corporation" establishes which state's law governs entity formation questions. This is useful if disputes arise about signatory authority.
Do I need a printed name line under the signature?
Yes—it prevents disputes about who signed. The "Name:" line shows the printed name matching the signature above. Without it, forged signatures are harder to detect and signatory identity may be disputed.
When should I use separate signature pages?
When parties will sign separately (counterpart execution). Multi-party agreements can have one page with all signatures or separate pages for each party. Separate pages enable counterpart execution where parties sign and exchange copies without gathering in person.
Can AI generate signature blocks?
Yes, AI tools like River's Signature Block Generator create properly formatted blocks. Select entity types for all parties, and the AI generates appropriate signature blocks with correct format, title lines, and optional contact information. Especially useful for multi-party agreements.
Proper signature blocks ensure valid contract execution. Use River's Signature Block Generator to create correctly formatted execution provisions for any entity type.