An alteration of a written instrument is a change in language of the instrument that is made by one of the parties to the instrument who is entitled to make the change. Any material alteration of a written instrument, after its execution, made by the owner or holder of the instrument, without the consent of the party to be charged, renders the instrument void as to the nonconsenting party. The party to be charged refers to that party or parties against whom enforcement of a contract or instrument is sought.
If a party consents to the alteration, the instrument will not be rendered invalid as to that party.
Maine Ratification of the Alteration of an Instrument Which Was Made after Execution by the Party to be Charged refers to the legal process in the state of Maine of validating or confirming a modification made to a document after it has been executed by the party who is responsible for its validity. This ratification aims to ensure that alterations made to an instrument are legally binding and enforceable. In Maine, there are two main types of ratification that can occur in the context of alteration of an instrument: 1. Express Ratification: This type of ratification occurs when the party who executed the instrument after alteration explicitly confirms or approves the changes made. Express ratification typically involves the party providing written consent or signing a new agreement that acknowledges the alterations and affirms their validity. 2. Implied Ratification: Unlike express ratification, implied ratification does not involve a direct, explicit confirmation by the party to be charged. Instead, it occurs when the party, through their actions or conduct, accepts the altered instrument or acts in a way that implies their acceptance of the modifications made. Implied ratification can be inferred if the party continues to use or benefit from the instrument with knowledge of the alterations. These types of ratification help to safeguard against potential disputes or challenges that may arise due to alterations made to a document. By ratifying the modifications, the party to be charged demonstrates their intent to be bound by the terms of the altered instrument, adding legal validity to the changes. Keywords: Maine, RATIFICATION, Alteration of an Instrument, Execution, Party to be Charged, Express Ratification, Implied Ratification, Legal Process, Validity, Enforceable, Modifications, Written Consent, New Agreement, Affirmation, Actions, Conduct, Disputes, Challenges, Terms, Binding, Instrument.
