Why Real Estate Documents Must Be Signed in Blue Ink in Some States
If you’ve ever attended a real estate closing, you may have been told: “Please sign in blue ink only.”This instruction can feel arbitrary, but in many states and counties, blue ink signatures serve an important legal and practical purpose. Understanding why blue ink is required can help prevent document rejection, re-signs, and costly closing delays. […]
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 […]
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. […]