What Is a Power of Attorney, and Why Might It Need Notarization? 📃
Review your document before your appointment.
A power of attorney is an important legal document that allows one person to grant another person authority to act on their behalf in specified circumstances.
Because these documents can provide significant authority, they are also documents notaries may encounter.
What Does a Notary Do?
The notary does not decide what authority should be granted or explain which type of power of attorney someone should use.
Instead, when notarization is required, the notary performs the appropriate notarial act in accordance with applicable state law.
Depending on the circumstances, this can include verifying identity, confirming the signer's willingness to sign, and completing the appropriate notarial certificate.
Don't Wait Until the Appointment to Read the Document
Because powers of attorney can have significant legal consequences, signers should review their documents before meeting with a notary.
Questions about the document's meaning, scope, or legal consequences should be directed to a qualified attorney or the party who prepared the document.
What Should You Bring?
Depending on the circumstances and applicable requirements, you may need:
The complete document
Acceptable identification
Any required witnesses
Instructions supplied by the attorney or receiving organization
Requirements vary by jurisdiction and document.
A power of attorney can be an important document, but the notary's role is limited to the authorized notarial act, not determining what the document should say or providing legal advice.
Preparing beforehand can make the notarization appointment much smoother.
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