Understanding of "et al"

[Tony Thompson]

So I've managed to grab 4 appointments this week (excited beyond belief). 3 of those according to the tax assessor's site are owned by "name, et. al." the question is for the contract to be valid are the signatures of the others required, or is the signature of the specifically named individual sufficient?
My lawyer has said "I don't know enough about what you are doing to assist you with this venture" as he hands me back my retainer check back! Any thoughts or opinions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks

[Bill Gulley]

Tony, "et al." is an abbreviation for et alii, latin for "and all others" properly written with a period et al.

It is included, say with Joseph Smith, et al. which may include as others who may come into title by marriage or heirs at which point those in title would be named and sign contracts and deeds, otherwise only the signature of Joseph Smith is required.

You don't use this abbreviation in making an initial contract, but all those in title at that time should be named individually and you obtain thier signature. The only way one owner can sign for another is with a Special Power of Attorney that is filed in the land records of the juridiction where the property is located. To get it right, look the past deed up granting the property to the seller and use the names appearing there.

BTW, I doubt this was the reason your attorney backed out, I'd review the strategies and methods you are using,if you're following any guru programs, any attorney will know what "et al." means. :)