Initialed

Initialed is the past tense of the verb initial, meaning to place one’s initials on a document or page to indicate review, acknowledgment, or agreement. The act is common in legal and administrative contexts and is often used on multi-page documents where full signatures are reserved for final execution.

Usage and purpose: On contracts, leases, amendments, or forms, parties typically initial each page or select sections to show they have reviewed and approved the contents. Initials are usually placed in a margin or beside a clause, sometimes with a date. This practice helps verify that pages have not been altered and that each party has acknowledged the specific terms or changes.

Relation to signing: Initialing serves as a lighter form of authentication compared with a full signature. In many jurisdictions, final legal effect still requires a complete signature on an execution page or other formal section. However, initialing can evidence agreement to particular amendments, exhibits, or the main body of text without re-signing the entire document.

Variations and considerations: Practices vary by region, organization, and document type. Some documents require initials on every page; others require them only on pages with changes. Ambiguities can arise if individuals share initials or if pages are rearranged after initialing, so clear identification and careful handling are important.

See also: initial, paraph, signature, amendment, endorsement.