Is there an alternative to signing your name?

fiscalfreckles

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, but basically my father in law needs increasing help with his financial affairs, and I'm trying to do what I can.
He suffered a stroke a few years ago and the use of his right arm has been deteriorating ever since.
Now he can barely hold a pen and finds it very difficult to write at all which obviously presents problems when his signature is needed. He can sometimes manage it if he's very slow & careful, but there's no way he can produce a quick signature on the spot and he's very worried that his handwriting looks childlike and he may be accused of forgery.
Do banks make any provision for this? Can he "sign" some other way?

HappyMJ

He can sign an X. You can witness it (the X) yourself. He could also use a thumbprint.

You might want to consider speaking to a solicitor to get power of attorney over his affairs.

DomRavioli

Your signature is a mark made by yourself - it doesn't have to be his name, as long as it is unique to him.

I second the POA as it will be useful if his health deteriorates and decisions have to be made.

fiscalfreckles

My husband does have POA.

Thanks.

fed_up_and_stressed

Most health professionals I know rarely sign their "proper signature " and just use an individualised squiggle due to the amount of times they have to sign it daily e.g gp's signing prescriptions.

leylie

Yes, Banks can agree alternatives. They all have policies to deal with all sorts of disabilities - ask for their booklet on 'Accessibility options'. (One option is to have a signature made up into a rubber stamp made for use on cheques.)

Under the Disability Discrimination Act/Equalities Act all businesses have to make 'reasonable adjustment' - the 'bigger' the company the more options they will be expected to offer!

50Twuncle

leylie wrote: »

Yes, Banks can agree alternatives. They all have policies to deal with all sorts of disabilities - ask for their booklet on 'Accessibility options'. (One option is to have a signature made up into a rubber stamp made for use on cheques.)

Under the Disability Discrimination Act/Equalities Act all businesses have to make 'reasonable adjustment' - the 'bigger' the company the more options they will be expected to offer!

Rubber Stamps are not proof of ID - so are unlikely to be accepted
a "MARK" is all that is required - I am in a similar position - I cannot hold a pen but have got-by for over 20 years with no signature !!

leylie

50Twuncle wrote: »

Rubber Stamps are not proof of ID - so are unlikely to be accepted
a "MARK" is all that is required - I am in a similar position - I cannot hold a pen but have got-by for over 20 years with no signature !!

In my job I provide advice & support to visual impaired people - it's often not the only problem. For some people the best option is a rubber stamp - and I know of people who have this arrangement.
(I know banking has changed but as an ex bank cashier I would know which accounts I would expect to have a 'stamped signature', or mark or full signature on them.)

The important point is when someone has a problem, the first action should be to speak to the bank - or indeed any company - so that arrangements can be agreed between the customer & the company. If necessary ask to be referred to their 'Accessibility specialist' and refer to the Equalities Act/Disability Discrimination Act.

You and your bank have an agreement that suits you both - and with a bit of discussion, that should be the case for everyone.

Morglin

I lose the use of my right hand, at times, and I have never had any problems with just scrawling a signature, if I need to.

No one has ever queried it.

Lin

dori2o

A guy at work has a stamp he uses to sign his name. He carries it around with him wherever he goes. He actually has 2, one black and one blue.

He's never been told it's not allowed by anyone.

It's not one work provides for him it is his own.

They're not that expensive from what I've seen.