Read it first.

[camaguey48]

Common sense clearly tells me that when someone asks you to sign a document, any kind of document, you should read it first. Is that still the norm or has something changed? Something evidently has as I recall at least some people who have stopped doing it. Draw your own conclusions as to who they are.

[retiredguy123]

Common sense clearly tells me that when someone asks you to sign a document, any kind of document, you should read it first. Is that still the norm or has something changed? Something evidently has as I recall at least some people who have stopped doing it. Draw your own conclusions as to who they are.
I agree, in most cases. But, common sense also dictates that it is not always practical. If you ever had surgery, did you read every document they required you to sign? If you bought a house with a mortgage, how long do you think the closing would take if the buyer read every document before signing it? When the UPS guy or delivery person asks you to sign a screen with your finger, do you ask him to provide all the information you are agreeing to before signing it? These are just a few examples of where common sense is needed to get something done.

The most troublesome example is insurance policies. In many cases, the insurance company will not even allow you to see the entire policy document until you have already purchased it. I had a life insurance salesperson curse and hang up on me when I asked him to send me a copy of a policy I was reviewing for a friend. He said the policy was over a hundred pages long and refused to provide a copy.

[davem4616]

For me it depends upon the situation. Some documents I read and ask clarifying questions.... some I have my attorney read and advise. Some I just shake my head and sign the damn thing.

If I'm unsure about a deal or a situation, I'll usually ask a lot of questions way before I sign anything.

The reality is that often a lawyer wrote the document to protect their clients interests. It's often in small print, covers ever possible thing and is in legalese. My doctors seem to have me sign a document annually that holds them blameless if anything bad should ever happen to me while under their care). I doubt that it is negotiable, or that editing it would be accepted. If I refuse to sign the document that terminates the professional relationship. I can go to another doctor, but I'll face the same document....

I purchase trip insurance on occasion...now there's a lengthy document if there ever was one....some hot shot attorney must of gotten paid by the pound to produce that sucker

Now, I imagine that there are folks out there that go through every document with a fine tooth comb....just because they can. And I'm happy that they do, because those are the ones that will force a class action suit and ultimately change one or two words in the document.

[Bay Kid]

You need to know what are signing. If what you are signing is important to you, you should know what you are signing for. Of course there is one group of people that never read what they are signing for. Be smart and understand what is being signed for the good of all.

[camaguey48]

I agree, in most cases. But, common sense also dictates that it is not always practical. If you ever had surgery, did you read every document they required you to sign? If you bought a house with a mortgage, how long do you think the closing would take if the buyer read every document before signing it? When the UPS guy or delivery person asks you to sign a screen with your finger, do you ask him to provide all the information you are agreeing to before signing it? These are just a few examples of where common sense is needed to get something done.

The most troublesome example is insurance policies. In many cases, the insurance company will not even allow you to see the entire policy document until you have already purchased it. I had a life insurance salesperson curse and hang up on me when I asked him to send me a copy of a policy I was reviewing for a friend. He said the policy was over a hundred pages long and refused to provide a copy.
However long it takes. If it's in writing, I want to read it and if it takes time, then so be it. Tough noodles.

[stanley]

A lot of people wouldn't understand the mumbo jumbo legalese they are reading anyway. Example "the fine print"...how many people actually read that?

[camaguey48]

A lot of people wouldn't understand the mumbo jumbo legalese they are reading anyway. Example "the fine print"...how many people actually read that?
I almost made that mistake once. The phrase, at our discretion, is a red flag and it appeared several times in the fine print. Their "discretion" is in their favor, always. Having time to read it makes a ton of difference. At one time, the attorney seemed perturbed at the time I was taking to read it. I told him that if he took the time to write the fine print, I should show him respect and read what he wrote, besides, he is getting paid for his time by his client. Not another word was said.

[dewilson58]

However long it takes. If it's in writing, I want to read it and if it takes time, then so be it. Tough noodles.


123 is talking common sense & reality.


You probably over cooked your noodles.

[Chellybean]

Common sense clearly tells me that when someone asks you to sign a document, any kind of document, you should read it first. Is that still the norm or has something changed? Something evidently has as I recall at least some people who have stopped doing it. Draw your own conclusions as to who they are.

perfect example is deed restriction, no one reads them! ( Yes I Did)

[Girlcopper]

Common sense clearly tells me that when someone asks you to sign a document, any kind of document, you should read it first. Is that still the norm or has something changed? Something evidently has as I recall at least some people who have stopped doing it. Draw your own conclusions as to who they are.
Who cares what the norm is?? Read or dont read. My choice. If something goes wrong. My problem.

[Heyitsrick]

A perfect example is an "EULA", otherwise known as an "End User License Agreement". One is often part of the software installation process you readily agree to - when you can find the "Agree" button, anyway. I'm going to guess that 99% of these agreements go unread by users.

[Sandy and Ed]

Now wouldn’t it be nice if there was a requirement to use plain language in a contract or at the very least minimize the number of pages of a contract, mandate the minimum font size of the print??

[Joanne19335]

“My doctors seem to have me sign a document annually that holds them blameless if anything bad should ever happen to me while under their care). I doubt that it is negotiable, or that editing it would be accepted. If I refuse to sign the document that terminates the professional relationship. I can go to another doctor, but I'll face the same document...”

Doctors carry malpractice insurance. For many, it is in the millions of dollars. It is illegal for a doctor to ask you to sign a waiver if anything should happen to you while under his/her care. This would preclude the fact that if you are misdiagnosed and given the wrong treatment and die, you and your estate have no recourse. If you are presented with such a document from a doctor, leave his office immediately and report him to the American Medical Association.

[richs631]

I agree, in most cases. But, common sense also dictates that it is not always practical. If you ever had surgery, did you read every document they required you to sign? If you bought a house with a mortgage, how long do you think the closing would take if the buyer read every document before signing it? When the UPS guy or delivery person asks you to sign a screen with your finger, do you ask him to provide all the information you are agreeing to before signing it? These are just a few examples of where common sense is needed to get something done.

The most troublesome example is insurance policies. In many cases, the insurance company will not even allow you to see the entire policy document until you have already purchased it. I had a life insurance salesperson curse and hang up on me when I asked him to send me a copy of a policy I was reviewing for a friend. He said the policy was over a hundred pages long and refused to provide a copy.

Your 100% correct. Not only is it not practical but most people don’t even understand the documents

[rlcooper70]

Every time I enter a new website there is five pages of documentation I am asked to "agree to" before entering the new site. Do you read all of it each time?

[jbrown132]

Your 100% correct. Not only is it not practical but most people don’t even understand the documents

One thing good about them is that if you suffer from insomnia they will surely put you to sleep trying to read them.

[Bay Kid]

Now wouldn’t it be nice if there was a requirement to use plain language in a contract or at the very least minimize the number of pages of a contract, mandate the minimum font size of the print??

In the '70's our real estate contracts were one page and we didn't need most of that. Now it is page of page of lawyer talk. Be careful. One word could change the whole meaning.

[NY2TV]

I can't tell you how many times I have gone to a doctor and have been given a form to sign stating I have received their privacy notice when I haven't been given it or even seen it. Several times when I told the receptionist I can't sign it, they make it seem like I'm the 1st person who has brought this to their attention. One girl said she didn't even have a copy. So I guess it is true that not too many people read what they are signing. (BTW, I'm not referring to doctors in TV).

[Curtisbwp]

Caveat Emptor..

[camaguey48]

Every time I enter a new website there is five pages of documentation I am asked to "agree to" before entering the new site. Do you read all of it each time?
No,, and I will not deal with it. Delete it.

[Chi-Town]

5000+ pages is a lot to read in a short time.

[Bay Kid]

5000+ pages is a lot to read in a short time.

Lots of payoff money hidden there.

[retiredguy123]

Lots of payoff money hidden there.
The sad thing is that there is no reason to hide it anymore. It is accepted as normal Government business.

[Bay Kid]

The sad thing is that there is no reason to hide it anymore. It is accepted as normal Government business.

Our country looks like any other 3rd world country now. And the world is watching with amazement as the American people allow this to happen.