According to Justia, the definition of notarize is “The process a notary public uses to confirm the authenticity of a signature on a legal document.” Patton Legal Services is a notary public in the state of Arkansas and has a Notary commission.  We offer mobile notary services and electronic or e-notary services (also known as an online public notary). 

“A Notary Public is appointed by a state government to serve the public as an impartial witness during notarizations. As ministerial officials, they are expected to follow statutory rules without the exercise of significant personal discretion. Notaries Public certify the proper execution of many of the life-changing documents of private citizens — whether those transactions convey real estate, grant powers of attorney, establish a prenuptial agreement, or perform the multitude of other activities that enable our civil society to function.”

A mobile notary, also referred to as a traveling notary, is a notary public who offers the convenience of coming directly to your location to perform notarization services. Unlike traditional notaries who operate from a fixed office, mobile notaries travel to meet clients at their preferred locations, such as homes, businesses, workplaces, coffee shops, law offices, debt collection agencies, or any other convenient spot. It’s important to note that mobile notaries must possess a valid notary commission to legally provide these services. Patton Legal Services has a notary commission in the state of Arkansas.

If you have questions, please call us at (479) 544-7004 or use our contact form. 

To ensure a seamless notarization process, it's crucial to be prepared with the necessary documents and information. Before your appointment, make sure you have the completed document you want to notarize, a valid photo identification card that complies with state regulations, and any other individuals who need to sign the document, along with their respective identification. Additionally, remember to bring payment for the notarial fees. By having these items readily available, you can streamline the process and avoid any unnecessary delays.

As the signer, you are responsible for informing the Notary Public of the specific type of notarization required for your document. Notaries can provide information about the different types of notarial acts but cannot offer legal advice or recommendations. It's important to note that providing legal advice is strictly prohibited.

Generally, notarizations fall into three main categories: Acknowledgments, Jurats, and Copy Certifications. Acknowledgments are used to verify that you have voluntarily signed a document. Jurats are for swearing or affirming the truthfulness of the document's contents. Copy Certifications, which are not available in all states, are used to confirm the accuracy of a copy compared to the original.

If you're unsure which type of notarization is necessary, it's advisable to consult with the person or entity who drafted or will be receiving the document. They can provide the specific notarial requirements. If you still have doubts, seeking guidance from a lawyer is recommended.

A mobile notary comes to your location or meets you and physically signs documents.  E-notary or online notarization services are completed online with technology instead of in person with physical documents. E-notaries adhere to the same regulations as mobile notaries, with the primary distinction being the method of signature application. While traditional notaries use ink pens, electronic notaries employ digital signature capture technologies such as keyboards, touchscreens, or signature pads. Arkansas has embraced remote online notarization, allowing licensed notaries to register and perform these services. Although remote notaries can notarize documents for signers located anywhere, they must be physically present within the state at the time of the notarization.

The key difference between remote online notarization (RON) and remote ink-signed notarization (RIN) lies in the document format and signature method. RON involves entirely digital transactions with electronic documents and signatures, while RIN incorporates paper documents and traditional ink signatures within a remote setting.

A variety of documents may need notarization including court documents, wills, advanced directives, executorships, deeds, articles of incorporation, commercial leases, and many others. Your notary cannot answer questions about the specifics on any legal documents – for questions on your documents, reach out to your attorney or the issuer of the document that needs notarization. We have provided definitions below to help our clients understand more about the documents we notarize.

Power of attorney documents empower one or more individuals to act as your authorized representative when you are unable to do so due to unavailability, incapacity, or other circumstances. Power of Attorneys can be tailored to address specific situations, such as real estate transactions or end-of-life decisions. By executing a power of attorney, you can safeguard your financial interests, streamline business dealings, and ensure that your wishes are carried out in your absence. There are three primary types of power of attorney: durable, non-durable, and springing, each with its own activation conditions. Furthermore, power of attorney documents can be categorized based on their intended scope, such as general, limited, medical, financial, revocable, irrevocable, or military.

Deeds

When purchasing a home, you acquire a property deed, a legal document that outlines the property's description and officially establishes your ownership, or title. Both the seller (grantor) and buyer (grantee) are required to sign the deed near the conclusion of the closing process. There are various types of deeds, each serving distinct purposes and offering varying levels of protection for the homebuyer. One of the most protective options is the general warranty deed, which guarantees that the seller is unaware of any hidden defects or claims against the property. A less comprehensive option is the special warranty deed, typically used in commercial real estate transactions, which only protects against claims arising after the seller obtained ownership. The quitclaim deed is commonly employed in situations where property is transferred between family members or spouses without monetary exchange. The bargain and sale deed, while less prevalent, is utilized in certain states during foreclosure, tax sales, or family property transfers. Finally, a deed in lieu of foreclosure may be executed when borrowers are unable to meet their mortgage obligations and prefer to avoid the negative consequences of foreclosure, allowing them to transfer the property to the lender. 

An affidavit is a formal written statement, made under oath, that affirms the truthfulness of certain facts. These affidavits are sworn statements and are commonly employed in legal proceedings, including bankruptcy cases, family law disputes, and civil litigation matters like divorce proceedings. When live testimony is impractical or unavailable, affidavits serve as a valuable source of evidence, providing a reliable record of the declarant's sworn statements.

A commercial lease is a formal agreement between a property owner (landlord) and a business entity (tenant) that grants the tenant the right to occupy and utilize a commercial space for a specified duration. This legal contract, a commercial lease, outlines the mutual rights and obligations of both parties, ensuring adherence to local and state regulations. Commercial leases are typically more intricate than residential leases and can incorporate a wide range of terms and conditions, tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the landlord and tenant.

While employment contracts are generally legally binding without notarization, unless explicitly specified otherwise, notarizing them can offer additional protection for both the employer and employee. Notarization involves verifying the signer’s identity and confirming their awareness of the contract’s contents. This can help establish that the agreement was signed voluntarily and not under coercion. Notarization can be particularly significant if a party disputes the contract in a legal proceeding.

Custody and guardianship agreements are legal documents that establish the rights and responsibilities of individuals in caring for and making decisions on behalf of a child or adult. Guardianship and custody arrangements outline who has the authority to make important decisions regarding the person's well-being, such as medical care, education, and living arrangements.

Articles of incorporation are formal legal documents submitted to a government agency, typically the Secretary of State, to establish a corporation. Articles of Incorporation contain essential information about the company, including its name, address, registered agent, and the authorized stock structure. By filing articles of incorporation, a corporation gains legal recognition and various benefits such as favorable tax treatment, the ability to issue stock and raise capital, and limited liability for its owners. While articles of incorporation are primarily used externally, other internal documents like bylaws, operating agreements, and business plans provide more detailed guidance for the corporation's operations and management.

“A last will and testament is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes regarding the distribution of their property after their death. Wills empowers individuals to plan for the orderly transfer of their assets, ensuring that their belongings are allocated according to their desires. Upon a person’s passing, their assets are typically used to cover funeral expenses and the costs associated with the probate process, a legal procedure that oversees the settlement of the deceased person’s estate. Any outstanding debts are then settled using funds from the estate.”

Advance care planning entails discussing and preparing for future decisions regarding your medical care in the event of a serious illness or incapacity that prevents you from expressing your wishes. Engaging in meaningful conversations with your loved ones is a crucial aspect of this process. Many individuals also choose to document their preferences in writing by completing legal documents known as advance directives.

A real estate purchase agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which a buyer and seller agree to purchase and sell a property. A purchase agreement serves as a formal record of the transaction, specifying key details such as the purchase price, financing arrangements, closing date, and any contingencies or conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. When a buyer makes an offer to purchase a property, they propose specific terms and conditions, including the purchase price. The seller then has the opportunity to accept, reject, or negotiate the offer. If both parties agree on the terms, they sign the purchase agreement, officially binding them to the transaction. This contract signals the parties’ intention to proceed with the sale and outlines the conditions that must be fulfilled for the sale to close and ownership to transfer to the buyer.

An executor of an estate is a person designated to manage the affairs of a deceased individual according to their last will and testament. They are appointed either by the deceased person themselves (the testator) or by a court. Executors are responsible for ensuring that all assets outlined in the will are accounted for and transferred to the appropriate beneficiaries. These assets can include financial holdings like stocks, bonds, real estate, direct investments, or personal belongings.