What guideline must be followed when keying amounts of money in legal documents?

When documenting monetary amounts in legal documents, it is essential to ensure accuracy and clarity to avoid any misinterpretations. Keying amounts first as words and then providing the figures serves this purpose effectively. This practice minimizes the chance of errors, as the written words are less susceptible to misreading than numerical figures alone.

For example, stating "One thousand dollars ($1,000)" ensures that even if there were any discrepancies or ambiguities in the figures, the spelled-out amount eliminates confusion for anyone reviewing the document. This dual representation reinforces legal clarity and helps protect against potential disputes regarding the amounts stated.

The other options present various methods that do not address the best practice of confirming amounts through both text and figures, potentially leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations. The primary aim in legal documentation is to ensure that all parties clearly understand the intended amounts without ambiguity.