Can my boyfriend notarize my documents?

Asked by: Aniyah Becker  |  Last update: March 26, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (62 votes)

A notary public who has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in a document may not notarize such a document. The better practice is not to notarize for a spouse or family member in order to preserve the integrity of the notarization and to prevent a challenge to the notarization.

Can my boyfriend be my notary?

“In California, a notary public is not prohibited from notarizing for relatives or others, unless doing so would provide a direct financial or beneficial interest to the notary public. With California's community property law, care should be exercised if notarizing for a spouse or a domestic partner.”

Can your friend notarize a document?

Question: Am I allowed to notarize a document signed by a friend in which I stand as a beneficiary? Answer: No. A notary public must decline a notarization if they are a party to the transaction or stand to benefit in any way from it.

What is the Michigan law for notary?

(1) A notary public shall place his or her signature on every record upon which he or she performs a notarial act. The notary public shall sign his or her name exactly as his or her name appears on his or her application for commission as a notary public.

Can I notarize my boyfriend's divorce papers?

The only time a notary cannot notarize documents is if the person is related by blood or marriage OR the notary or a close blood/marriage family member is a party to/beneficiary of the document. For instance, I could notarize a document for my ex-husband or his father, as long as our kids were not involved.

Notarizing Documents: Frequently Asked Questions!

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Can a spouse witness a notarized document?

Generally, notarized documents are not signed by witnesses. Yes, it is legal for a spouse to witness the signing of the document.

Does a spousal consent need to be notarized?

Spousal consent may relate to activities like withdrawals, distributions, or the designation of beneficiaries. Generally, a spouse can consent by completing and signing an administrative form, which a licensed notary must notarize to confirm its authenticity.

Can you notarize a friend in Michigan?

Can I notarize my friend's document? No. If a notary public is a party to a transaction, or has a direct or indirect financial (or other beneficial) interest in the transaction, no matter how small, the notary must decline the notarization.

How much does a notary cost in Michigan?

The Michigan law on notarial acts states that a Michigan notary cannot charge more than $10 for each notarial act performed.

Who is eligible to notarize a document?

Who can notarize a document? The only person who can notarize a document is a notary public. This role is an official position within the state government and notaries public are either appointed, commissioned, or otherwise designated by a high ranking government official such as the governor or secretary of state.

What makes a notarized document invalid?

Missing or Incorrect Notary Seal

States like California and Texas have specific requirements for the placement and design of the seal. Without a proper seal, legal and financial institutions may reject the document.

Can two people notarize a document separately?

If you have a document that requires notarization and needs to be signed by more than one person, you and the other signer(s) can meet with a notary in one of the following ways: In the same meeting on the same device (up to 2 signers) In the same meeting on separate devices. In separate meetings at different times.

Can you use a friend as a notary?

Many states have notary laws that prohibit notarizing for family members. But, they do not prohibit notarizing for a friend. However, the notary must be neutral and impartial to the transaction to avoid a conflict of interest.

Are notaries dated?

Without exception, notarial certificates are always dated with the actual date of notarization—the date that the principal signer personally appeared before the notary and the notarization was performed.

How much does the UPS store charge for notary?

For example, here in California, our UPS store charges $15 per notary signature. Where as other states are lower, sometimes even under $10. However if the notary has to come you or travel for any reason to do the job, the notary can charge whatever traveling fee they would like to on top of the charge per signature.

How long is a Michigan notary good for?

The Michigan Notary commission is valid for six to seven years, ending on your birthday. If you were appointed before your birthday in that calendar year, then your commission term will be six years from your birthday.

Is Michigan a notary state?

(1) The secretary may appoint as a notary public an individual who applies to the secretary and meets all of the following qualifications: (a) Is at least 18 years of age. (b) Is a resident of this state or maintains a principal place of business in this state.

Who can be a notary in Michigan?

To become a notary in Michigan, you must:

3- Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence. 4- Be a resident of, or maintain a principal place of business in, the county where you request your appointment. 5- Read and write in the English language. 6- Be free of any felony convictions within the past ten years.

Do both parties have to be notarized?

Certain states allow notarizing without the other party if all signatures are notarized separately.

How does a notary make money?

In California, notaries can charge $15 per notarial act. In Florida, Arizona, Michigan, and others, notaries can charge $10. In some states, there are no maximum notary fees set by law, so local competition sets the typical price. These types of notarizations can be quick and simple.

Do documents have to be notarized in person?

A signer must meet face-to-face with a Notary in order to have their signature notarized. Be sure that any person whose signature needs notarization is available and can attend your appointment with the Notary Public. A Notary cannot notarize a person's signature over the phone or video chat.

Can my husband withdraw money from his 401k without my consent?

While pensions have significant consent rules when it comes to making changes, 401(k) accounts do not. Under current law, a spouse can withdraw money, take loans, and make other changes just like any shared private portfolio.

How do I get notarized consent?

Contact A Notary Public: After drafting your letter, reach out to a local notary public or use online services like NotaryCam. Presentation For Verification: Present yourself along with identification documents before signing under oath in front of them.