You can't notarize your own documents and remain impartial. Whenever you have a transaction that involves you — or even one where you simply feel that you can't be impartial — it can be in everyone's best interest to have someone else notarize the documents.
If you're asking whether you need a lawyer to draft a contract, legally, the answer is no. Anyone can draft a contract on their own and as long as the elements above are included and both parties are legally competent and consent to the agreement, it is generally lawful.
Key Takeaways. When notarization occurs, a notary public certifies the authenticity of any signature appended to a document. A notarized document carries legal weight because a notary acts as a neutral third-party witness.
Drafting Documents and Notarization Many notaries are confused as to whether or not they can notarize documents that they have drafted. In most cases, a notary cannot draft documents. To do so might be considered unauthorized practice of law.
No. A notary public who is not an attorney cannot prepare legal documents for anyone. If your neighbor brings you an already prepared and complete document, then you can notarize it.
One of the most common mistakes that notaries make is not printing or signing their name exactly as it appears on their notary commission.
To make a notarized letter, begin with your contact details, create a clear message explaining the purpose of the letter. Include any legal language if necessary. Conclude with a formal closing and leave space for your signature. And that's how you write a statement that needs to be notarized.
Notarization serves primarily as a safeguard against fraud by providing an impartial witness to the signing process. However, it doesn't guarantee the legal validity of the document itself.
Generally, no. In Washington State, most rental agreements do not need to be notarized. Notarizing rental agreements in Washington State is typically unnecessary for both residential and non-residential leases with a term of one year or less.