Staying Informed

There are different reasons you might a need a notary, from notarizing a Will, Real Estate documents, Power of Attorney, and much more. However, the primary reason an individual will need a notary is to verify their identity and any other signer's identity along with ensuring that their signatures are authentic to prevent fraud.

Remember that a notary is an official authorized by the state to witness and certify the signing of documents, which again helps to prevent fraud and confirms that:

1.) The signer is who they claim to be

2.) The document is being signed willingly and knowingly

3.) The signing occurred on a specific date

Top Reasons You Might Need a Notary:

1. To Verify Identity

A notary checks a valid ID to confirm that the person signing the document is who they say they are.

2. To Prevent Fraud

Notarization helps stop people from forging signatures or coercing others into signing documents.

3. To Satisfy Legal Requirements

Many documents must be notarized by law to be considered valid, such as:

• Real estate deeds and mortgages
• Powers of attorney
• Court affidavits
• Adoption or custody documents

4. To Make Documents Admissible in Court

Notarized documents may be seen as more credible or official if used in legal proceedings.

5. To Complete Financial or Real Estate Transactions

Lenders and title companies often require notarization for:

• Loan documents
• Title transfers
• Refinancing paperwork

Common Documents That Need Notarization:

• Power of Attorney
• Wills and trusts (in some states)
• Real estate deeds
• Loan documents
• Divorce agreements
• Affidavits
• Business contracts

In conclusion, notaries play a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of important legal and financial documents. Whether you're signing a real estate contract, granting someone power of attorney, or submitting an affidavit, a notary ensures that the process is legitimate, voluntary, and properly documented.