Signature of Your Name by Another

There may be times when you are unable to sign your own name, either because you cannot be present when the particular document needs to be signed, or perhaps because you are physically unable to effectively sign your name. Can you have your name signed by another person?

My hands shake very badly. Can my neighbor sign my will for me?

Yes. This is called a proxy signature and is valid in all states as long as the person signing your name does so pursuant to your instruction and in your presence. Depending on where you live, "presence" can be defined in one of two ways: conscious presence (you know the person is signing your will even though you actually cannot see her doing so) or line of vision (the person is signing your will before you and you can witness the signing if you choose to look).

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