If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, then you have probably been required to sign a document that could only be processed once it was notarized. But what if you are not completely familiar with the person with whom you are signing the document? Or what if the person claims to be someone they’re not? Notaries help prevent fraud and protect you from having to deal with costly lawsuits. A notary is a public official appointed to act as an unbiased witness to certain types of legal documents, mainly contracts and deeds. When it comes to legal documents, notaries are one of the foremost ways used to avoid frauds and forgeries. Documents bearing a notary seal, however, act as confirmation that they haven’t been forged. If you want your document to stand up in court, it needs to be signed and witnessed by a notary public. In today’s article, we’re going to be taking a closer look at why you should hire a Notary to witness your document and make sure that it’s signed!
What is a notary?
Notaries are usually commissioned public officials who have the authority to witness signatures, administer oaths or affirmations, and certify documents. A notary should always be present at closing on a house.
Why will I need to hire a notary?
A notary is someone who has the legal authority to witness and certify the authenticity of documents. They have a responsibility to make sure their signature on the document is authentic, meaning that it matches the actual document. The most common reason for hiring a notary is for real estate transactions and other types of contracts.
What are the types of notaries?
A notary public is an official who, among other duties, can witness and attest to signatures on documents. These documents are typically legal, like deeds and wills. They’re also often used for contracts. Private parties might also use a notary when they’re executing power of attorney or trusts. If a document is executed in front of a notary and the document states that it’s witnessed by the notary, then it will be admissible in court and enforceable as if it were signed in front of a judge.
What can you do to make sure your document is authentic?
The most important thing you can do when signing any document is to notarize it and have it witnessed. The notary will officially sign your document and they will also witness you signing the document. This ensures that the signature is real and yours. If you’re unsure about what a notary does, I recommend contacting a lawyer who specialises in that area.
How should someone prepare their document before they go to the notary?
Documents should be filled out correctly to avoid any confusion. People should also sign and date the document with correct spelling. A notary won’t be able to notarize a document if it is unsigned or the information isn’t clear . People need to make sure they have all of the required information or documents before going to a notary.
How long does it take for someone to get their document notarized?. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. It also depends on how many people are in line before you as well as how old your documents are and whether or not you have any paperwork that needs to be prepared by the notary’s office.
Questions to ask before hiring a notary
– Does the notary have the experience needed to fill my specific needs?
– Is the notary available when I need him or her?
– What kind of services does the notary offer (i.e. signing, witnessing, apostille)?
– What is the fee for their services?
– Do I need a notary from another state?
– How to tell if your document has been notarized
– Why You Should Hire a Notary
One way to tell if a document has been notarized is by comparing the signature on your document to the signature on the notary’s identification card. If they match, this is another indication that your document is valid.
Conclusion
It is important to hire a notary when you are getting things like a will, an agreement, or some other legal document. A notary can verify that the people involved in the documents are who they say they are and sign the documents if appropriate. If a document wasn’t notarized, it may be possible that it was forged which could lead to legal problems. This blog post has gone over why one should hire a notary.
