An apparatus for creating a framework for the creation, editing, signing and signature verification of multiple documents includes a master, or cover, document as a holder and display source for the subdocuments created within the cover document. The cover document is protected against direct modification with the possible exception of the addition of comments that do not affect digital signatures in the cover document. Access to the subdocuments for editing, signature generation and signature verification is through a menu associated with the cover document. A method of creating a hierarchy of approval signatures on the cover document encompassing subdocuments and nested approval signatures is described.