I am happy to meet you and sign documents at a local coffee shop or restaurant. I probably meet clients at coffee shops about 3 times per week. Probably the most attractive benefit is it makes everyone feel safer by… Read More »Can we sign at a coffee shop instead of my home?
Having completed thousands of notarizations, I’ve come across just about every situation. Mistakes are common and it is my job to ensure your documents are always accurate and properly executed. Here are many of the situations I’ve encountered that can… Read More »What are common mistakes people make when filling out documents to be notarized?
I do get asked for guidance on a regular basis, but we are not allowed to provide legal advice. Notaries are appointed by the state to witness and authenticate the signing of legal documents, but they are not attorneys and… Read More »Can notaries provide legal advice?
I first became a notary in the late 90s and not surprisingly, the requirements haven’t changed much over 20 years later. Here is the list of requirements everyone must meet in order to become a notary in California: The commission… Read More »What are the requirements to become a notary?
A notarized document and a certified document are two different types of legal documents with distinct purposes. A notarized document is a legal document that has been signed in the presence of a notary public. The notary public verifies the… Read More »What is the difference between a notarized document and a certified document?
We are not always required to notarize. In fact, the Secretary of State provides specific guidelines around when we can, and can’t notarize documents. Here are a few reasons why we can refuse to notarize a document: Lack of proper… Read More »Are notaries always required to notarize documents?
Yes! It’s very common for people to end up in hospitals throughout their lives. The focus should always be on getting better, but sometimes legal documents have time-sensitive material that can’t wait. People in hospitals need a notary for a… Read More »Do You Do Signings In Hospitals?
I always keep a handful of both blue and black pens when I meet people to notarize. Some documents have very specific rules around ink color. Blue ink is sometimes required on notarized documents to help distinguish the original document… Read More »Why is blue ink sometimes required?
The concept of notaries dates back to ancient Rome, where they played an important role in legal transactions. In fact, the word “notary” comes from the Latin “notarius,” which means “clerk” or “secretary.” Notaries were responsible for recording and verifying… Read More »When did notaries first take place?
Real estate documents need to be notarized in California because it is a legal requirement under California law. When real estate documents, such as deeds, mortgages, and contracts, are notarized, it provides assurance that the document was signed by the… Read More »Why do real estate documents need to be notarized?