2007-09-14 16:04:25 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I am a notary in Michigan, and we cannot notarize anything unless the person who signed the document signs it in front of us and shows us identification. We used to be able to notarize without the person signing in front of us, but the law changed a few years ago. You'll have to check your state's website for its rules for notaries public since the laws vary from state to state.
2007-09-14 16:46:12 · answer #1 · answered by No Shortage 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The point of a notary is not to make a document legal or binding, it is only to have a disinterested person verify that the signature on the document was made by the person signing it. That's it.
I get it all the time, "I have a notarized statement........". Certain documents require a notary. Affidavits or sworn statements. These are different and have a special status. They are not directly admissible due to the hearsay rules. However they can be used in court if the declarant is available for cross examination (there are exceptions to this too of course).
Bottom line, don't bring a signed document to a notary. If they are worth their salt, they won't help you. If the did and the document was a forgery, they would be liable as well.
2007-09-14 23:34:22 · answer #2 · answered by hensleyclaw 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Notary who is honest and would like to keep their license will not do the work and add their stamp to it.
2007-09-14 23:18:09 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋