DON’T USE “MR. AND MRS.” IN AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTS; IT IS NOT RECOGNIZED BY LAW
The practice of using “Mr.” and “Mrs.” or “Mr. & Mrs” to address a married couple is very common, particularly around here. The point must be made that referring to a married couple in a written Agreement, Contract or indeed any legal document as “Mr. and Mrs. John Wali” is not proper.
It is neither a legal entity nor recognized by law. It doesn’t confer any legal status, neither does it establish a separate legal identity nor create a joint entity. It is a wrong description that does not mean that which you intended it to mean. Simply put, it means absolutely nothing.
In law, individuals are recognized as separate entities and their rights and obligations are specifically and seperately defined by their individual status, not their marital status or title. Being married does not change this.
So always write the names of each partner (i.e. husband and wife) in full and seperately. They should also sign seperately.
When entering into agreements, contracts or making legal documents, it is important that you use your full names; clear definitions of roles, relationships and specific language to establish joint ownership or decision-making rights.
Using “Mr. and Mrs.” followed by the name and surname of the husband is not legally permissible.
So instead of “Mr. and Mrs. John Arabanko” use “Mr. John Arabanko” and “Mrs. Sophia Arabanko.” Each of them should also sign beside their name.
