Why Documents Should Be Notarized?

A notary public's signature serves as a valuable risk management tool for preventing fraud and identity theft. However, many people continue to question us why they need their documents notarized or why is a notarized signature required by this government agency or organization? Is getting a document notarized truly necessary or beneficial? Is notarization necessary for the contract to be valid? We must first comprehend what notarization is and why we need to notarize our documents.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of notarization and the documents that require notarization.

What is Notary?

A notary, often known as a notary public, is a person who has the legal authority to witness the signing of papers in order for them to be legally legitimate. Notarized documents have been signed and reviewed for validity in front of a notary public. He/she is the one who checks the identity of everyone who signs the document, witnesses the signatures, registers the act in an official log, and stamps or seals the paper.

Why is a Notary Important?

Even if notarization isn't required, a notary can play a crucial role in ensuring that a transaction is legally enforceable. Notaries are used to prevent fraud and perjury. In a world where scammers prey on any unsuspecting victim, having a reliable notary to authenticate a signer's identity provides an extra layer of protection when executing important documents. It is possible to avoid contract disagreements and lawsuits by having your documents notarized.

Documents That Require Notarization

A witness isn't required for every document. However, some legal documents have specific signature requirements, such as the number of witnesses required. Notarization is frequently required for documents that deal with sensitive financial or legal matters that necessitate a high level of trust in all parties involved.

The following are the most commonly notarized documents:

NOTARY DOCUMENTS

• Acknowledgements

• Jurats

• Affidavits

• Deed of Trust

• Oath/Affirmations

• Power of Attorney & More

REAL ESTATE & LOAN DOCUMENTS

• Real Estate Documents

• Escrow Documents

• Loan Documents

• Cash Deals & More

SPECIALITY NOTARY DOCUMENTS

• Permission to Travel

• Advance Health Care Directive

• Estate Planning

• Trust & Living Trust

• Pension

• Retirement

Conclusion

Almost every crucial milestone in your life will require some type of documentation. Despite this, most people don't want to worry about notarization when making a life-altering decision. The notary verifies that the signer knowingly and willfully engaged into the contract. Because notarization is a strong indication of the document's legitimacy, contract agreements are enforceable once the document is notarized.