🤜 Notary Services SHOULD NOT DO THIS When Notarizing Settlement Agreements: Santa Clarita Divorce

When it comes to notarizing divorce settlement agreements, it’s crucial for notaries to understand their specific role and limitations. Tim Blankenship from Divorce661 highlights a common misconception that notaries should review or approve the contents of these agreements. In reality, the notary’s job is much more focused and straightforward: they are there to acknowledge the signatures, and nothing else.

The Role of a Notary in Divorce Settlement Agreements

Many people mistakenly believe that a notary is responsible for reviewing the terms of a divorce settlement agreement before notarizing it. This is not the case. A notary’s responsibility does not extend to evaluating or advising on the content of any legal document, including settlement agreements in divorce cases.

Simply put: The notary’s job is to verify the identity of the signers and confirm that they are signing the document willingly and knowingly. The notary then provides an official acknowledgment of these signatures.

What Notaries Should NOT Do

• Do not review the settlement agreement: Notaries are not lawyers or mediators, so they should not assess or interpret the terms of the agreement.
• Do not give legal advice: If parties have questions about the agreement, they should consult their attorneys, not the notary.
• Do not validate the fairness or accuracy: The notary’s stamp or seal does not imply that the agreement is fair, accurate, or legally binding beyond the signatures.

Why This Matters

Understanding this distinction protects both the notary and the parties involved. For notaries, it limits liability by ensuring they stay within the scope of their authorized duties. For the parties signing the agreement, it emphasizes the importance of seeking proper legal counsel to thoroughly review and understand the terms before signing.

By clearly defining the notary’s role as strictly an acknowledgment of signatures, the process remains efficient and legally sound. This clarity helps avoid misunderstandings or complications that could arise if a notary were to overstep their authority.

Conclusion

If you are a notary called upon to notarize a divorce settlement agreement, remember: your responsibility is to acknowledge the signatures—not to review or approve the contents of the document. This focused role helps maintain the integrity of the notarization process and ensures that the parties involved receive the proper legal guidance they need from qualified professionals.

For anyone navigating a divorce or settlement agreement, always consult with a knowledgeable attorney to review your documents thoroughly before signing. The notary’s role is to witness and acknowledge, not to interpret or advise.

Understanding these boundaries will help make the notarization process smoother and protect everyone involved.