Before Signing a Contract: What You Need to Know

We live in a fast-paced, post-COVID world where everything is rushed and multitasking is the norm.  

Where we are attending meetings while taking calls, sending messages and emails or even watching videos.  

The question is whether this kind of multitasking while signing legal documents can end up placing you in serious trouble, especially when you are distracted and not fully present while signing.

In 2025, the High Court of South Africa, North West Division, Mahikeng answered this by reaffirming the 2007 case in the matter between Langeveld v Union Finance Holdings (Pty) Ltd in which it was found that, there is a strong presumption (or a presumption common among persons) that anyone who has signed a document had the intention to enter into the transaction contained in it.  

A Kerr said, “It is a sound principle of law that a man, when he signs a contract, is taken to be bound by the ordinary meaning and effect of words which appears over his signature.”

With this in mind, here are five practical tips to help you ensure that you do not sign a legal document without fully understanding its contents:

Tip 1: Request a copy of the documents before the appointment

If you have an appointment to sign documents and you have not received a copy of the documents.  Request a copy of the documents before the appointment.  This will allow you to read through the documents and raise any questions and concerns before the appointment.  

Tip 2: Allocate enough time

When an appointment is scheduled, a specific time frame is allocated for the consultation and signing of the documents. If an hour has been set aside, avoid rushing through the documents in a few minutes. Take the time to read and understand what you are signing.

Tip 3: Be present

Switch off and put away any distractions during the consultation and signing process. Important information is being explained to you which can be missed if your attention is divided.

Tip 4: Ask questions

If you have questions about the documents being signed, ask and make sure you understand the documents before you sign, as the agreement becomes binding once it is signed.

Tip 5: Request copies of the signed documents

After signing, request a copy of the signed documents for your records. This will ensure that you always have access to the agreement that you concluded.

Signing a legal document is legally binding. Taking a few extra minutes to read, understand, and ask questions can protect your interests and prevent you from unintended legal consequences.

Written by: Jean-Mari De Beer - le Grange
Moderated and approved by: Rohula Kgabu

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