Just a general question, maybe not even really a legal question.

[frylover]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? LA

Many times parents ask if a notarized statement will allow them to do or not do a certain thing involving custody or visitation and the answer is no.

As a teacher I have seen parents submit such statements saying that an NCP can't do this, that or the other.

So why do notoraiies notarize these basically worthless documents? Is it because it would be considered practicing law without a license to tell these parents, "The school/daycare/etc. can not honor this." Is it because they don't know it's worthless?

Just curious!

 

[Isis1]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? LA

Many times parents ask if a notarized statement will allow them to do or not do a certain thing involving custody or visitation and the answer is no.

As a teacher I have seen parents submit such statements saying that an NCP can't do this, that or the other.

So why do notoraiies notarize these basically worthless documents? Is it because it would be considered practicing law without a license to tell these parents, "The school/daycare/etc. can not honor this." Is it because they don't know it's worthless?

Just curious!

it's a paycheck!!!

and who knows...some daycare/school/doctor's office MIGHT honor it. course...i'd hate to be on that end of the stick...

 

[frylover]

it's a paycheck!!!

LOL! I was TRYING to be charitable by leaving THAT possibility out!

 

[nextwife]

It's NOT the notaries job to scrutinize the legal worth of a document. They are not attorneys.

The notary is merely legally asserting that the signatory is the same person as the one named as signing. That the Jane Doe whose signature appears IS the person who signed, and that they signed in their presence..

 

[Zigner]

The notarization IS a good thing in order to prove that the person accepting the document had a valid belief that the document was actually signed by the parent. It's more of a CYA-type thing.

 

[LdiJ]

I am a notary and the majority of the signatures I notarize are on all different kinds of contracts/agreements and POA's.

I also frequently notarize document copies, which is different than notarizing signatures. I notarize that the copy is a true and valid copy of the original.

Notarized documents in custody cases are sometimes necessary. Some states/some courts require notarization of some forms before they are submitted to the court. A notarized agreement can also go towards "intent".

Its a notarized agreement all by itself that is generally worthless. Its no more enforceable than an agreement that has not been notarized.