They are liable for the acts committed within the scope of their agent's actual authority. Clark, supra, at 547. Thus, the evidence supports the trial court's findings that Phillippe had actual authority to sign the guaranty on Gerard and Monique's behalf. No error occurred. Personal Jurisdiction Gerard and Monique next argue that the trial court erred in determining that it had personal jurisdiction over them because Phillippe did not have authority to consent to personal jurisdiction on their behalf.
Parties can consent to personal jurisdiction in a variety of ways.
Parties to a contract frequently agree in advance to have any controversies litigated in a particular forum. Indiana courts have upheld forum selection clauses in contracts signed by an agent on the principal's behalf. When a principal cloaks his agent with apparent authority, he is bound by the acts of his agent. An agent possesses apparent authority when a third person reasonably believes the agent possesses authority due to some act by the principal. Id. Placing an agent in a position to act and make representations which appear reasonable is sufficient to endow him with apparent authority.