The notarization of legal documents is a practice that is centuries old. In fact, the use of notaries dates back to the Roman Empire. A notary is a public officer who is empowered to witness signatures on documents and administer oaths.
Notarization of documents is a process designed to deter fraud and ensure the authenticity of documents. Notarization does not guarantee the validity of the underlying document or the accuracy of its contents, but it does help bolster the legal status of the document by attesting that all signing parties are who they claim to be and that they are not acting under duress.
Partnering with an experienced agency like Superior Notary Services is essential to reap the benefits of notarization and ensure that vital documents receive the proper credibility. Here are a few of the benefits of using a notary public to officiate your documents.
Notarization protects you from fraud
Notarization is a process designed to deter fraud and ensure the authenticity of documents. When you notarize a record, you confirm that the document is authentic and has not undergone any tampering.
The process of notarizing
The notary will verify the signer’s identity and witness the document’s signing. In addition, the notary will stamp the record with a seal that shows that the document has been notarized.
The seal will contain the notary’s name, the date of notarization, and the notary’s official stamp.
Notarized documents are difficult to forge
Notarized documents are difficult to forge because of the steps involved in the notarization process. As mentioned above, the notary will verify the signer’s identity and witness the document’s signing.
If it is discovered that a notary has been forged, the individual can be charged with a third-degree felony and be fined up to $5,000.
Notarized documents have legal weight
Notarized documents have legal weight because a notary public has witnessed them. A notary public serves as an officer of the court who has been appointed by the state to witness the signing of documents and administer oaths.
If something was to go wrong with the document, the notary could be called into court to testify about their experience with their customer.
Notarized documents can be used to enforce a contract
Notarized documents can be used to enforce a contract because they prove that the contract is valid and that the signers of the agreement are who they say they are and aware of the deal they are signing.
If one of the parties to the contract fails to uphold their end of the bargain, the other party can take them to court and use the notarized document as evidence that a contract exists.
Notarized documents can simplify the probate process
If you have a notarized will, it can streamline the probate process. Probate is the legal process of distributing a person’s assets after they die. One of the requirements of probate is that the will must be authenticated.
This requirement means that the court must make sure that the will is valid and signed by the person who wrote it. If the will is notarized, the court can assume that it is accurate and signed by the person who wrote it. It can save time and money during the probate process.
Notarized documents can be used to get a passport
Notarized documents can be used to apply for a passport. A passport is a document issued by the government that allows you to travel outside your country.
To receive a passport, you must first fill out an application. Part of the application process requires that you have certain documents notarized. These documents include your birth certificate and your social security card.
Helps fulfill deed and power of attorney requirements
Many states require that certain real estate documents be notarized to be valid. These documents include deeds and power of attorney forms. Some lenders will require that these documents be notarized to approve a loan.
Notarizing these documents helps to ensure that the document is valid and that the signer is who they say they are.
It makes international business dealings simpler
If you are doing business with someone in another country, it is often helpful to have your documents notarized. Notarizing your records can help to simplify the process of doing business in another country. It can also help to build trust between you and the other party.
Wrapping Up
Notarized documents are legal documents that a notary public has witnessed. There are many benefits to notarizing your documents.
Notarized documents have legal weight, can be used to enforce a contract, can simplify the probate process, and can be used to get a passport.
These stamped records can also be used to apply for a loan, fulfill deed and power of attorney requirements, and simplify international business dealings. If you have any documents that need to be notarized, take advantage of all the benefits of having a notarized document to save yourself legal trouble down the road.
