As a traveling notary public serving clients throughout greater Boston and across Massachusetts, it's important to understand key terms related to the notary process. Whether assisting with estate planning documents or providing mobile notarization services, clear definitions help clients navigate important legal matters.
One crucial term is apostille. An apostille is an authentication issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for documents requiring certification under the Hague Convention for use in other countries. As Notary Publics in Boston, we assist with securing apostilles for internationally used records like birth certificates, adoptions and estate planning documents.
A notary public is a public official commissioned by the state to witness signatures on important documents. In Massachusetts, notaries are regulated by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. As a mobile notary, we are available to witness signatures statewide.
Notarization refers to the process of verifying a signature made before a notary. We carefully review identification, witness the signing, and apply our stamp or seal along with signature, date and commission expiration. Proper notarization validates documents.
Record keeping is also significant. Massachusetts law requires notaries to maintain bound journals of all notarized records, with signer names, dates, document types and other identifying information. This provides an audit trail if issues arise regarding authenticity or fraud.
Understanding these key terms empowers clients to make informed decisions regarding estate planning, property matters, and other legal issues requiring notarization or apostille certification. Clear communication of notary definitions helps every step of the way. Contact us to be connected with a traveling notary public for assistance notarizing important documents anywhere in greater Boston or across Massachusetts.