Why Notaries Can Refuse Service Even When Everything “Looks Fine”
It can be confusing — and frustrating — when a notary refuses to proceed even though your document appears complete. However, notaries are legally required to refuse service in certain situations, even when everything seems to be in order on the surface. Understanding these reasons helps protect you, the notary, and the validity of your document. […]
What Is a Self-Proving Affidavit — and Why Courts Love It
If you’ve ever prepared a will or estate planning document, you may have heard the term self-proving affidavit. While it’s not required in every situation, courts strongly favor these affidavits because they streamline legal proceedings and reduce delays. Here’s what a self-proving affidavit is, how it works, and why courts “love” it. What Is a […]
Why Courts Reject Improperly Notarized Affidavits
Affidavits are sworn legal statements — and courts take them very seriously. Even small notarization errors can cause an affidavit to be rejected, delayed, or completely disregarded by a judge. Understanding why courts reject improperly notarized affidavits can help you avoid wasted time, missed deadlines, and additional legal costs. What Makes an Affidavit Different From […]
Can You Reuse a Notarized Document? When It Works — and When It Doesn’t
Many clients ask whether a notarized document can be used more than once — especially when submitting paperwork to multiple agencies. The answer is sometimes yes, sometimes no, and misusing a notarized document can lead to rejection or delays. Here’s how to know when reusing a notarized document is effective — and when it isn’t. […]
What Makes a Notarization Invalid in Court?
A notarized document can still be rejected by a court if the notarization was not performed correctly. Many clients assume that once a notary stamp is applied, the document is automatically valid — but courts closely examine notarizations, especially in disputes. Here’s what can make a notarization invalid in court and how to protect your […]
How Long Is a Notarization Valid? (Surprising Answer)
Many people assume a notarization has an expiration date — but here’s the surprising truth: a notarization itself does not expire. What does expire is often the document, the signer’s authority, or the receiving agency’s acceptance rules. Understanding this distinction can help you avoid unnecessary re-notarizations and rejected documents. The Short Answer A notarization is […]
Why Notaries Sometimes Ask You to Re-Sign a Document
Being asked to re-sign a document can feel frustrating — especially if you’re sure you already signed it correctly. But when a notary asks for a new signature, it’s usually to protect you, not inconvenience you. Here’s why re-signing is sometimes required and how it helps ensure your document is legally valid and accepted. The […]
Are Electronic Signatures the Same as Notarized Signatures?
Many people assume that an electronic signature and a notarized signature are the same — but they are not. While both are legally recognized in the United States, they serve very different purposes and are governed by different laws. Understanding the difference can help you avoid rejected documents, legal delays, and costly re-signing. What Is […]
Can You Use a Credible Witness Instead of an ID?
What happens if you need a document notarized but don’t have a valid government-issued ID? In some cases, the law allows the use of a credible witness to verify your identity — but this option is strictly regulated and not available in every state. Here’s what clients need to know about using a credible witness […]