What You Need to Know About Notarizing Child Custody Documents

Blog Introduction: The thought of going through a child custody battle is a scary one. There are a lot of things to think about and prepare for. One of the most important things to have in order before going into a child custody battle is your paperwork.

Any legal document related to your children should be notarized by a qualified notary public. This enters the document into the public record, ensuring its authenticity. A notarized document also has more weight in court than an unsigned one. If you are sought after to provide proof of custody, the court will be more likely to accept a notarized document than one without a seal.

What is a Notary Public?

A notary public is an individual commissioned by the state to witness signatures on documents and administer oaths. In order for a notary to witness your signature on a document, you must appear before the notary with valid government-issued identification. The notary will then compare your signature on the ID to the signature on the document. After confirming that they match, the notary will apply their seal to the document.

How Do I Find a Notary?

Most banks have staff members who are qualified notaries. You can also find qualified mobile notaries online by searching for “mobile notary” + [your city and state]. Some law firms may also have staff members who are qualified as notaries. Once you find a few potential candidates, you should check their credentials with your state’s secretary of state office or department of consumer affairs to ensure they are legitimate.

What Are Mobile Notaries?

As their name suggests, mobile notaries travel to wherever you need them instead of you having to travel to them. This can be especially helpful if you need two or more documents notarized and do not want to make multiple trips. Mobile notaries may charge higher rates than stationary ones, but the convenience they offer may be worth it depending on your circumstances.

Child Custody Documents

When choosing a mobile notary, be sure to confirm that they will be able to travel to wherever you need them and that they have all of the necessary equipment with them (e.g., seals, stamps, etc.). You should also ask about any additional fees they may charge for travel or other services beyond simply applying their seal to your document (e.g., getting it apostilled).

Notarizing your child custody documents is an important step in protecting your rights as a parent and ensuring that your documents will be taken seriously by the court. Be sure to do your research when finding a suitable notary public, as there are many scammers posing as legitimate businesses. Choose someone who is qualified and reputable, and don’t be afraid to ask around for recommendations from friends or family members who have gone through the process themselves.