Where to Initial on a Contract: Best Practices for Employees

In the world of contracts, especially for employees, it's important to understand your rights and obligations. Often, you will be asked to initial certain sections of a contract to signify your agreement or understanding. But, which side of the contract page should employees initial?

General Guidelines and Customs

In most cases, there are no strict requirements or customs about where to initial. Initials are typically used to acknowledge agreement with handwritten changes and to provide some level of protection against the possibility of pages being altered. However, if you suspect that the other party might tamper with the document, the problems go deeper than initials can fix.

The Importance of Initialing

There are several reasons why a contract might include spaces for initials. Primarily, initialing signifies that a signer has accepted or rejected a certain option. It can also serve as a tool to focus the signer's attention on a particular provision, which is often the case in contracts of adhesion—contracts drafted by one party that the other party has no real choice but to agree to. In some cases, initialing can strengthen the argument that the signer is bound by some onerous provision because it was separately initialed in addition to the contract being signed.

Common Places to Initial

For employees, initials are commonly placed on the right side of the page near any handwritten changes to acknowledge agreement with those changes. Alternatively, you might be asked to initial at the bottom right of each page of a printed form to show agreement to the terms on that page. When dealing with car rental agreements, you are often required to initial certain provisions, such as the fact that you are waiving the right to purchase additional insurance from the rental car company.

Legal Requirements for Initials

Initials are required in certain cases, particularly for waivers and understandings of rights. These are typically found in the body of the document where you are required to demonstrate your understanding of the right of rescission or other legal requirements under state or federal law. For example, in a waiver, you may be required to initial to acknowledge your understanding of the terms.

Conclusion

To summarize, there is no strict rule about which side of a contract page to initial. However, understanding the reasons why initials are required and where they are placed can be crucial for ensuring that you fully understand and agree to the terms of your contract. If you have any doubts or concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with a legal professional before initialing any document.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that you are fully informed and protected when dealing with contracts, particularly as an employee or in situations involving car rentals.