Does a Legally Binding Document Need to Be Notarized?
Certain legal and financial transactions, such as real estate purchase agreements, powers of attorney, and wills, often require notarization to meet the legal requirements of the jurisdiction in which they are executed. However, it's probably a good idea to have any legally binding document notarized, whether or not a particular document is subject to such a condition.
A notary public is authorized by their secretary of state to act as an impartial witness to the signing of the contract or legally binding agreement. As such, they are required to verify the identity of all signatories through government-issued IDs, making notarization a powerful deterrence against fraud.
Knowing that a document has been notarized can also provide peace of mind to all parties involved. It adds an additional layer of assurance that the document is legally sound and the parties are bound by their commitments. If a dispute later arises, the notarized document and the notary's record can serve as compelling evidence of the document's validity or the authenticity of the signatures.
