Notary Signing Explained: A Guide by Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service
Understanding the role of a notary and the notarization process is essential for ensuring your documents are legally recognized and properly executed. Whether you’re dealing with legal, real estate, financial, or immigration documents, Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service is here to guide you through the process.
What is a Notary?
A notary public, commonly referred to as a notary, is a state-authorized official responsible for overseeing and certifying the signing of important documents. In Massachusetts, a notary’s duties include verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring the signers understand the document they are signing, and confirming that the signing is done willingly and without coercion. Notaries also administer oaths and certify copies of official documents, where permitted.
What Does it Mean to Sign Something in Front of a Notary?
Signing a document in front of a notary means that the notary is present to witness your signature, verify your identity, and ensure that you are signing the document voluntarily. The notary’s role is to act as an impartial witness to the signing, ensuring that all legal formalities are followed and that the document is authentic.
What Types of Documents Need to Be Signed in Front of a Notary?
Documents that typically require notarization include:
Does It Cost Anything to Get Something Signed by a Notary?
Yes, notaries typically charge a fee for their services, which is regulated by Massachusetts state law. The cost may vary depending on the type of document and the complexity of the notarization. Additionally, if you choose a mobile notary service, there may be additional travel fees for the convenience of having the notary come to your location.
Can I Get My Document Notarized Online?
Currently, Remote Online Notarization (RON) is on hold in Massachusetts until further guidance is provided by the Secretary of State’s Commissions Office. As a result, all notarizations must be performed in person. While this may change in the future, it is important to check with Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service for the most up-to-date information on RON availability in Massachusetts.
When Can I Use an Unsworn Declaration Instead of a Notary?
In Massachusetts, an unsworn declaration can sometimes be used instead of a notarized statement. An unsworn declaration is a written statement made under penalty of perjury without the need for notarization. This can be used in place of notarization for certain types of declarations, verifications, certifications, and affidavits, except in specific circumstances such as:
What is an Unsworn Declaration?
An unsworn declaration is a written statement that the signer affirms is true under penalty of perjury. Unlike notarized documents, it does not require a notary public’s certification. Unsworn declarations can be used in some legal contexts as a substitute for a sworn affidavit.
What Does It Mean to Sign Something Under Penalty of Perjury?
When you sign a document under penalty of perjury, you are legally affirming that the information in the document is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. If it is later discovered that the information was false, you could face criminal charges for perjury.
If a Notary Signs Our Custody Agreement, Will It Hold Up in Court?
Not necessarily. While having a notary witness the signing of a custody agreement can add a layer of formality and credibility, it does not make the agreement legally binding in court. For a custody agreement to be enforceable, it typically needs to be approved by a judge or formalized through a legal process such as a Rule 11 agreement, a mediated settlement agreement (MSA), or an agreed order. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer to ensure that your custody agreement is legally binding.
Do Contracts Have to Be Signed by a Notary?
No, not all contracts need to be notarized to be legally binding. A notary’s signature is not a requirement for most contracts, and notarization does not make a contract "more" enforceable. However, notarization may be required for certain types of contracts, such as those involving real estate transactions. Always check the specific legal requirements for your contract type.
How Do I Find a Notary?
In Boston, finding a qualified notary is straightforward. You can:
Whether you need to notarize a legal document, a real estate form, or another important paper, understanding the notarization process is key.
Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service provides comprehensive and professional notary services throughout Massachusetts, ensuring your documents are properly executed and legally recognized. For those looking to notarize a document in Boston or the surrounding areas, we offer mobile notary services that bring convenience directly to you.
For more information or to schedule a notarization, contact Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service today.
Understanding the role of a notary and the notarization process is essential for ensuring your documents are legally recognized and properly executed. Whether you’re dealing with legal, real estate, financial, or immigration documents, Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service is here to guide you through the process.
What is a Notary?
A notary public, commonly referred to as a notary, is a state-authorized official responsible for overseeing and certifying the signing of important documents. In Massachusetts, a notary’s duties include verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring the signers understand the document they are signing, and confirming that the signing is done willingly and without coercion. Notaries also administer oaths and certify copies of official documents, where permitted.
What Does it Mean to Sign Something in Front of a Notary?
Signing a document in front of a notary means that the notary is present to witness your signature, verify your identity, and ensure that you are signing the document voluntarily. The notary’s role is to act as an impartial witness to the signing, ensuring that all legal formalities are followed and that the document is authentic.
What Types of Documents Need to Be Signed in Front of a Notary?
Documents that typically require notarization include:
- Legal Documents: Affidavits, power of attorney forms, and legal declarations.
- Real Estate Documents: Deeds, mortgages, lease agreements, and property transfer forms.
- Immigration Documents: Visa applications, affidavits of support, and other immigration-related paperwork.
- Financial Documents: Loan agreements, promissory notes, and bills of sale.
Does It Cost Anything to Get Something Signed by a Notary?
Yes, notaries typically charge a fee for their services, which is regulated by Massachusetts state law. The cost may vary depending on the type of document and the complexity of the notarization. Additionally, if you choose a mobile notary service, there may be additional travel fees for the convenience of having the notary come to your location.
Can I Get My Document Notarized Online?
Currently, Remote Online Notarization (RON) is on hold in Massachusetts until further guidance is provided by the Secretary of State’s Commissions Office. As a result, all notarizations must be performed in person. While this may change in the future, it is important to check with Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service for the most up-to-date information on RON availability in Massachusetts.
When Can I Use an Unsworn Declaration Instead of a Notary?
In Massachusetts, an unsworn declaration can sometimes be used instead of a notarized statement. An unsworn declaration is a written statement made under penalty of perjury without the need for notarization. This can be used in place of notarization for certain types of declarations, verifications, certifications, and affidavits, except in specific circumstances such as:
- Filing liens with a county clerk.
- Instruments related to real or personal property that need to be recorded with a county clerk.
- Oaths of office or any oath required to be administered by a particular official.
What is an Unsworn Declaration?
An unsworn declaration is a written statement that the signer affirms is true under penalty of perjury. Unlike notarized documents, it does not require a notary public’s certification. Unsworn declarations can be used in some legal contexts as a substitute for a sworn affidavit.
What Does It Mean to Sign Something Under Penalty of Perjury?
When you sign a document under penalty of perjury, you are legally affirming that the information in the document is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. If it is later discovered that the information was false, you could face criminal charges for perjury.
If a Notary Signs Our Custody Agreement, Will It Hold Up in Court?
Not necessarily. While having a notary witness the signing of a custody agreement can add a layer of formality and credibility, it does not make the agreement legally binding in court. For a custody agreement to be enforceable, it typically needs to be approved by a judge or formalized through a legal process such as a Rule 11 agreement, a mediated settlement agreement (MSA), or an agreed order. It is advisable to consult with a lawyer to ensure that your custody agreement is legally binding.
Do Contracts Have to Be Signed by a Notary?
No, not all contracts need to be notarized to be legally binding. A notary’s signature is not a requirement for most contracts, and notarization does not make a contract "more" enforceable. However, notarization may be required for certain types of contracts, such as those involving real estate transactions. Always check the specific legal requirements for your contract type.
How Do I Find a Notary?
In Boston, finding a qualified notary is straightforward. You can:
- Search for a "Notary Near Me": Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service offers convenient mobile notary services that come to your location, whether at home, work, or another convenient place.
- Check with Your Bank or Credit Union: Many financial institutions offer notary services, often at no charge for account holders.
- Visit a Public Library: Some public libraries provide free or low-cost notary services.
- Use a Shipping and Mailing Store: These stores often employ notaries and offer convenient hours.
Whether you need to notarize a legal document, a real estate form, or another important paper, understanding the notarization process is key.
Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service provides comprehensive and professional notary services throughout Massachusetts, ensuring your documents are properly executed and legally recognized. For those looking to notarize a document in Boston or the surrounding areas, we offer mobile notary services that bring convenience directly to you.
For more information or to schedule a notarization, contact Boston Mobile Notary & Apostille Service today.