When signing some types of legal documents, you may need an impartial witness present. A notary can confirm the identity of the people who are signing the documents. Sometimes, adding a notarization isn’t required, but it could still be a good way to be prepared for anything that might come up. For example, when buying a home or starting a business, you may not need to get certain items notarized, but there are still benefits to doing so. On the other hand, there are some key documents that must be signed with a notary present. Learn about three occasions when you’re likely to need a notary.
- Buying a Home
There’s a lot of paperwork involved in buying a house. There are loan documents, property deeds, financial statements, and so much more. All of these could require a notary service to ensure the information therein is correct. Furthermore, a notary will ensure any people involved in the transaction are present and properly identified. Plus, using a notary is often in the best interest of the buyer. It could prevent issues with processing paperwork with the bank or legal matters that arise later on.
- Starting a Business
Starting a new business can be stressful, but the documentation process doesn’t have to be. Knowing which business documents can be notarized may save you a lot of headaches. Documents such as commercial leases, employment contracts, vendor contracts, loan agreements, and articles of incorporation can all benefit from a notary’s assistance. Getting these types of agreements and documents notarized can help you avoid legal issues with other companies or individuals.
- Writing a Will
There are some documents that require notarization. Many types of documents that need to be notarized have to do with legal ownership, such as a will. A will is classified as a document that transfers legal ownership of property or other assets and therefore requires a notary’s help. If a will is not notarized appropriately based on state law, it can go into probate, or it could be contested. Other types of paperwork that deal with legal ownership requiring notarization are trusts, advanced directives, executorships, custody and guardianship agreements, power of attorney, and any court decisions.
It’s a good idea to notarize any documents that can or must be notarized. Be sure to protect yourself with the use of a notary. For example, using a notary can help prevent fraud. Plus, having a notary present when signing a legal document only increases any chance that it will hold up in court. Getting a notary is really about self-preservation and preserving things that you’ve bought, built, or willed. Thankfully, it’s fairly simple to find a notary who can help you ensure the security of your most important documents.
