Electronic Signature and Document Policy

This Electronic Signature and Document Policy describes where the Services of Middlesex Notary Co LLC d/b/a CIVIL CONSTABLE (“CIVIL CONSTABLE,” “we,” “us”) offer electronic signatures, what is recorded when you sign, and the legal limits on electronic signatures for court and eviction-related documents.

1. Service Authorizations in the Client Portal

1.1 When we issue a quote, you may review and sign the service authorization in the client portal. Before signing, you are shown a consent to electronic records and signatures and may elect to sign on paper at no charge.

1.2 You sign by typing your full name. We record your name, email address and title (if provided); the date and time you consented and signed; your IP address and browser information; how you signed in to the portal; a SHA-256 fingerprint of the exact terms you signed and of the signed PDF; and a cryptographic seal that reveals later alteration. The signed PDF, with its signature certificate, is available in your portal.

1.3 Under the Massachusetts Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, a record or signature may not be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form, where the parties have agreed to conduct the transaction electronically (G.L. c. 110G, §§ 5 and 7). A party that agrees to conduct one transaction electronically may refuse to do so for other transactions (G.L. c. 110G, § 5(c)).

2. Document Center Forms

2.1 Certain Document Center forms allow you to add a typed or drawn signature in your browser before downloading the form or sending it to us. When you sign online, the form records your name, the date and time and your device’s IP address.

2.2 Signing a form in the Document Center does not request or accept a service assignment. CIVIL CONSTABLE does not review forms for legal sufficiency.

3. Legal Limits on Electronic Signatures

3.1 The federal and Massachusetts electronic-signature statutes do not apply to every document. Both exclude, among other things:

1. court orders, notices and official court documents, including pleadings and other writings, required to be executed in connection with court proceedings (15 U.S.C. § 7003(b)(1); G.L. c. 110G, § 3(b)(3)(iii));
2. notices of default, acceleration, repossession, foreclosure or eviction, or the right to cure, under a credit agreement secured by, or a rental agreement for, an individual’s primary residence (15 U.S.C. § 7003(b)(2)(B); G.L. c. 110G, § 3(b)(3)(iv)); and
3. matters of family law, including adoption and divorce (15 U.S.C. § 7003(a)(2); G.L. c. 110G, § 3(b)(3)(ii)).

3.2 For those documents, these statutes do not establish that an electronic signature is valid. Whether a court, clerk or tribunal will accept an electronically signed subpoena, notice to quit, affidavit, return or other court document depends on the applicable court rules and requirements, which may change. CIVIL CONSTABLE does not represent or guarantee that any electronically signed document will be accepted.

3.3 Before signing a court document, a subpoena or a notice to quit electronically, confirm with your attorney or the court that an electronic signature is acceptable. Where there is doubt, print the document and sign it by hand.

4. Returns, Affidavits and Notarization

Returns of service and affidavits prepared by CIVIL CONSTABLE are signed in the form required by law and the applicable court. CIVIL CONSTABLE does not notarize documents through the Services, and the electronic-signature tools on this website are not remote online notarization.

5. Paper Alternatives and Copies

You may sign any CIVIL CONSTABLE service authorization on paper instead, and you may request a paper copy of any record you signed electronically, at no charge, by emailing info@civilconstable.com or calling 781-579-7462. See also the Electronic Communications Policy.

6. Disputed Signatures

If you believe a signature attributed to you was not made by you, contact us immediately. We will provide the signature certificate and recorded evidence and will investigate.