Why Your Bank’s Notary Isn’t Always the Best Choice
Many people assume that going to their bank is the easiest way to get a document notarized. While bank notaries can be helpful in certain situations, they are not always the best option — especially for time-sensitive, complex, or specialized documents. Understanding the limitations of bank notary services can help you avoid delays, rejections, and […]
Can a Notary Be Subpoenaed to Court?
Many people assume that once a document is notarized, the notary disappears from the process forever. In reality, notarization creates a legal record, and in certain situations, a notary public can be called into court. So, can a notary be subpoenaed to court?Yes — under specific legal circumstances. This article explains when and why a […]
Do Notaries Report Suspicious Activity? (What the Law Allows)
Many clients assume that notaries function like law enforcement or financial institutions when it comes to reporting suspicious behavior. Others believe notaries must stay silent no matter what they see. The truth lies somewhere in between. So, do notaries report suspicious activity?The answer depends on state law, the type of activity involved, and the notary’s […]
Who Is Legally Responsible for Errors in Notarized Documents?
When a notarized document is rejected or challenged, the first question people ask is:“Who’s responsible for this mistake?” The answer depends on what went wrong — and who caused it. Not all errors fall on the notary. In many cases, responsibility is shared or lies elsewhere. The Notary’s Legal Responsibility A notary public is legally […]
Who Is Legally Responsible for Errors in Notarized Documents?
When a notarized document is rejected or questioned, the first concern is often:“Who is legally responsible for this mistake?” The answer depends on what went wrong, who made the error, and what state law requires. Responsibility may fall on the notary, the signer, the document preparer, or sometimes more than one party. When the Notary […]
What Happens If a Notary Makes a Mistake?
Introduction Notaries are trained to be precise — but like any human service, mistakes can happen. When they do, clients often worry: Is my document invalid? Will I have to start over? Is this a legal problem? The good news is that many notary mistakes are fixable, especially when caught early. What Counts as a […]
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 […]