signing and dating documents

[pominoz]

When an official document is signed and dated, am I correct in assuming that the date should reflect the date that the document is being signed and should not for example be backdated by maybe three weeks so that it appears that the process was dealt with earlier than it had been?
thanks

[Count-A-Strong]

Clarify 'official document'

[DTCwordfan]

exactly on clarification - but generically yes especially where financials are involved.

[boxtops]

I don't know - our Wills were drawn up dated the day they were drafted, then we signed and dated our signatures at the end. What sort of documents are you talking about?

[pominoz]

The document is an Education Department Document relating to a notification of a procedural matter.

[DTCwordfan]

I would have thought that if it involved signing something on a backdated basis that covered any impact on employment or discipline, that would be highly suspect - and if you are involved you shoudl consult with an employment lawyer.....with your evidence...

[Trotbot]

Generally, no documents should be backdated. However, if it is an agreement that was effective before the document was signed, or it was recording action that had already been undertaken but not documented, there can be a 'with effect form [date]' that is earlier than the date of signature.

Backdating to mislead is a slipperly slope. One company I dealt with backdated a document to be earlier than the signatory joined the company, which destroyed the credibility of its whole case

[Count-A-Strong]

Unless you give more detail you will not get an accurate answer i.e. Notification to whom, an individual or the whole organisation. Notification of a legal matter or just general procedure?