Notary Role in Estate Planning
The role of a notary during estate planning is crucial for ensuring the legality and validity of important documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Here are few of these duties Notary takes when notarizing the documents.
Verifies Signatures:
The notary verifies the identity of the individuals signing the estate planning documents to ensure they are who they claim to be.
Watches Signing:
The notary witnesses the signing of the documents, confirming that the signatories are signing willingly and under no duress.
Administers Oaths:
In some cases, the notary may administer oaths or affirmations to the individuals signing the documents, affirming the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents.
Notarizes Documents:
After witnessing the signing, the notary applies their official seal or stamp to the documents, along with their signature and the date, to certify that the signatures are genuine.
Maintains Records:
The notary keeps a record of the notarization, including details of the individuals involved, the type of document, and the date of notarization, for future reference and verification if needed.
Overall, the notary's role during estate planning is to provide an impartial and legally binding verification of the signing process, ensuring that the documents are valid and enforceable according to the laws of the jurisdiction.