a copy of everything you sign?

[yerasimos]

A general question of ethics here. Maybe this will prompt some interesting discussion.

If (hypothetical) Mike signs a piece of paper agreeing to be bound by certain set of rules, guidelines, a contract, or whatever---should Mike be entitled to receive and retain a copy of whatever he agreed to? Or should (hypothetical) Joe, who solicits Mike to sign a piece of paper with language of Joe's choosing, feel entitled to get Mike's signature on the paper without giving Mike a copy (signed or unsigned) of what he signed?

Why or why not?

[Rex B]

If your signature is on a piece of paper, you need a copy.
That or walk away from the deal.

If the requirement is a surprise, beware.

[budroux2w]

If your signature is on a piece of paper, you need a copy.
That or walk away from the deal.

If the requirement is a surprise, beware.

[bdickens]

Absolutely.

[WildBill]

Why or why not?

Because he could make a change after you signed it and you would have no proof. IANAL, but when in doubt, have an attorney review the contract, and get it notarized.

[seniorshooteress]

I either get a copy or make a copy myself, of everything I sign. I learned this the hard way too: never send originals of anything to anyone (especially the IRS).

[cougartex]

Yes, you should receive a copy.

[yerasimos]

My purpose was to solicit some type of counterpoint to my own thoughts on the subject, but so far none is forthcoming, for good reasons articulated above.

This was prompted by some of my recent off-line activity. In those circumstances, the other person stated that it was not their policy to photocopy the documents in question, and acted as though they were doing me a huge favor by doing so. I stood my ground and watched them make my copies, though.

The way I see things, if I am going to be held to certain laws, rules, regulations, a contract, or whatever, I should be able to reference the terms one way or another, so as not to run afoul of them.

Furthermore, I become upset when transparency is requested or demanded from me, while the other party tries to assert secrecy, undocumented or specious privilege, or otherwise dissembles or withholds relevant information from me.

Separately: several weeks ago, I was checking out of a motel and requested a hard-copy of the charges/bill, and the clerk acted as though she was doing me a huge favor by printing and giving me a single sheet of paper---whose figures did not square with what I was charged by the online booking site.

[A-R]

IANAL, but I deal with legal contracts in the regular course of my work. I would NEVER sign my name to ANYTHING if I didn't receive a copy. Period. End of discussion. Take it or leave it. My way or the highway.

I keep massive files of signed documents that will likely never be needed again - just in case.

Cover your backside. Always.