Things Clients Should Know-Can You Notarize This For Me?
In South Carolina, a notary public is a person authorized by law to administer oaths. An oath is a sworn statement in which someone, under penalty of perjury, confirms the truthfulness of the information contained in the statement. A notary's powers include performing marriages and acknowledging signatures on deeds, car titles, affidavits and other sworn statements. A notary's authority is only valid in South Carolina, which means you cannot notarize a document if you happen to be in another state at the time. Notarizing a document is something to be taken very seriously, especially these days where fraud runs rampant in real estate closings and other financial transactions. You must personally know the person whose signature you are notarizing or you must require proof of identification such as a driver's license or passport. You also must assure to the best of your ability that the person is mentally competent to sign (e.g. not intoxicated, not suffering from dementia, understanding the nature of the transaction). NEVER notarize a document for someone as a "favor" when you did not see the person giving the oath sign the document or personally confirm to you that it is the person's signature on the document. If you notarize such a document you have committed a criminal offense and can be fined up to $200.00 or sentenced for up to 30 days in jail. Upon conviction, your notary commission is forfeited and you can never receive another one. In addition, you can be sued civilly in court for any damages caused to someone as a result of your notarizing the false document. Some things just aren't worth the risk. This is certainly one of them.
- 1 year ago
- • 0 comments (Add)
- • Share
