Chief among the reasons to have certain documents notarized is that having a document notarized is a deterrent to fraud, Dominic says. Getting agreements notarized adds a layer of verification that “the people who signed the document are the people they say they are,” he says.

 

Notarization not only makes it more likely that signors are whom they say they are but also is mandatory in some states for certain agreements, such as deeds, mortgages, easements, powers of attorney, and living wills.

 

Having certain papers notarized also is important when disputes are litigated; affidavits, which are sworn statements, will not be considered by a court unless they are notarized.

 

Notarized documents also are considered self-authenticating, which means the signers do not need to testify in court to verify the authenticity of their signatures. Having a document notarized is “a huge strategic advantage” in litigation