Always read documents before you sign them – and if there’s something you don’t understand, ask an attorney. Never just sign something because your spouse hands it to you. Otherwise you might be signing away important rights. Always read documents before you sign them – and if there’s something you don’t understand, ask an attorney. Never just sign something because your spouse hands it to you. Otherwise you might be signing away important rights. This happened recently to the widow of a government employee who retired under the Civil Service Retirement System.When he retired, he chose an annuity payable only during his lifetime, as opposed to one that provided a survivor annuity for his wife. The wife signed a spousal consent form. After his death,