You’ve been working tirelessly on negotiating a big contract, and you’re finally ready to sign on the dotted line. But before you do, there’s one more important step you need to take: finding a notary public. Many people are unfamiliar with the role of a notary public and why they’re essential. Still, a notary public is an absolute must if you’re entering into a legally binding contract.
A notary public is a public officer authorized by the state to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. In the context of contract negotiation, a notary public can serve as an impartial witness to the signing of the contract and administer any necessary oaths, such as an oath of secrecy or confidentiality.
Here’s everything you need to know about why you need a notary public for your next big contract.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
A notary public is an unbiased third party who witnesses the signing of important documents and verifies the identity of the person signing the document. For a contract to be legally binding, it must be signed before a notary public.
Notary services are often used for real estate transactions, wills and trusts, Powers of Attorney, and loan documents. The notary public ensures that all parties involved in the transaction are who they say they are and understand the paper they’re signing.
Notary services are generally quick and easy to obtain – you can find a notary public at most banks and at many office supplies and shipping stores. Be sure to call ahead to confirm that the notary public will be available when you need them.
The Role of a Notary Public in Contract Signing
When you sign a contract in front of a notary public, they will ask to see your government-issued ID to verify your identity. They will then stamp or sign the contract to certify that you are who you say you are and that you understand what you agree to.
Notary publics are essential because they can help to prevent fraud. For example, if you were to sign a contract without having it notarized, the other party could easily claim that you didn’t mark it or didn’t understand what you agreed to. But if the contract is notarized, the other party will have a more challenging time claiming that you didn’t sign it or didn’t understand it because the notary public can attest to your identity and understanding of the contract.
There are some situations where a notary public is required by law, such as when you’re buying a house or getting married. But in other cases, you may want to have a contract notarized to protect yourself from fraud.
If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not you need a notary public, it’s always best to consult with an attorney. They will be able to advise you on whether or not a notary public is necessary for your particular situation.
Why You Need a Notary Public
Having a notary public witness signing your contract serves as an extra layer of protection against fraud. If there’s ever any dispute about the terms of your agreement or whether you signed it, the notarized signature can be used as evidence in court.
Notarizing a contract also shows that you’re serious about upholding your end of the agreement. This can be important if you’re entering into a contract with someone you don’t know well, such as a contractor. The other party may be more likely to honor their obligations if they see that you’ve taken the extra step of having the contract notarized.
If you’re entering into a contract that will be legally binding, it’s a good idea to have it notarized. A notary public can witness the signing of the agreement and verify the identity of the parties involved. This provides an extra layer of protection against fraud and can be helpful if there’s ever a dispute about the contract terms. Notarizing a contract can also show that you’re serious about upholding your end of the agreement, which can be critical when dealing with someone you don’t know well.
Conclusion
If you’re entering into any legally binding contract, you must find a notary public to witness your signature. A notary public is an unbiased third party who will verify your identity and stamp or sign the contract to certify that you understand what you agree to. A notarized signature offers an extra layer of protection against fraud and can be used as evidence in court if there’s ever any dispute about the terms of your contract. Freedom Notary Services of Colorado LLC-Mobile Notary Denver-Aurora can provide notary services for any agreement you may be entering into. We will come to you so you don’t have to worry about taking time out of your busy schedule to visit a notary office. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
