ABA Family Legal Guide

Computer Law

Online Purchases

Are there any other laws on electronic transactions?

In addition to the federal law, many states have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, a model statute that gives legal validity to electronic signatures and contracts.

The federal and state laws in this area may exempt certain kinds of documents, which has the effect that electronic signatures may not be sufficient for wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts; adoptions, divorces or other family-law matters; notices of foreclosures or evictions from one's primary residence; and cancellation of health or life insurance benefits.

Furthermore, two states (Maryland and Virginia) have enacted the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA). This law covers, among other things, electronic transactions involving software and provides certain protections for consumers. However, it also allows software companies to disclaim most warranties.