Is there any legal reason to use paid e-signature services anymore?

Question

E-signature services like Docusign, HelloSign, esignatures.io, PandaDoc, signNow, etc. all offer services with unique features.

But is there any legal purpose for using them?

For example, one can seemingly accomplish their legal purpose (affixing legally binding electronic signatures to a document) by simply sharing a Google Doc with the parties who then each individually edit that document with their name in a signature block. They can even add a fancy handwriting style font if they wish.

Given that the edit history of the Google Doc is saved for every edit, including the date, time and password-protected identity of the editor. And this edit history is visible to any editor of the Google Doc, including, presumably any future court or arbitrator with whom the document might later be shared, it seems that would achieve everything the e-signature services accomplish at least as well.

So, are they necessary anymore?

Answer 1

Good question.

I'm basically inclined to say no.

But bells and whistles like recording IP addresses user agent strings etc may still help to resolve forensic disputes like trying to disavow signatures because "my computer got hacked."

That's one example offered by docusign, but I'm sure there are other specialized enhancements. Furthermore people like the streamlined workflow that feels more specialized and professional. Purpose built net be the term I'm looking for, but you catch my drift.

In the basic case you describe, I think the answer to the question as you intend it is no.