Do Divorce Forms need to be notarized?
There is a lot of paperwork when getting divorced so naturally some of it will need to be notarized. Many states require that documents such as the divorce agreement and financial disclosure forms must be notarized before being filed with the court. But depending on where you live and your assets the list does not stop there.
Here’s 11 Documents that may need to get notarized before or during a divorce.
The Initial Complaint or Petition For Divorce
This document is the first step in filing for divorce and can be filed by either spouse. It outlines each party’s desired outcome from the divorce, including spousal support and division of property.
Answers to The Divorce Petition
This document is filed by the responding spouse and outlines their response to the initial petition for divorce. It typically includes details of any counterclaims for assets and/or spousal support.
Property Settlement Agreement
This document outlines any agreement the spouses have made regarding property division. It should be signed and notarized by both spouses.
Formal Decree Of Divorce:
Signed by a judge, this decree officially recognizes the dissolution of your marriage. This document must be notarized as part of the legal process.
Marital Settlement Agreement:
Also known as a “property settlement agreement” or “separation agreement,” this document contains all agreements between you and your former partner concerning the division of assets and debts. A notary public may need to witness both signatures on this document before it is legally binding.
Answers to The Divorce Petition:
This document is a response from the other spouse to the initial divorce complaint. It outlines their stance on the issues at hand and serves as an official rebuttal to any claims made in the complaint. This document should be notarized before it is submitted to court.
Child Support Agreement:
In cases involving children, a notary public may be needed to witness the signatures of both parties on a child support agreement. This document legally outlines each parent’s responsibility in terms of financial support for their children.
Final Divorce Decree:
This is also known as a formal decree and it officially dissolves your marriage and settles any remaining issues from the divorce. It should be signed and notarized before it is presented to the court for final approval.
Financial Affidavits:
Financial affidavits also known as Sworn Financial Statements are often required in divorce proceedings and they outline each spouse’s financial situation. These documents should be notarized as part of the legal process.
Witness Statements:
In some cases, a court may request witness statements from both parties or from others who can attest to the validity of the claims
Marital Settlement Agreements:
In the case that you and your spouse collaborative divorce or uncontested divorce, you will submit a settlement agreement to the court. This agreement needs to be notarized to prove that both of you agree to the terms and have not been forced into signing by the other party.
What Documents do You Need to Get Notarized for Divorce?
Once you have completed your divorce paperwork, it is important to get the appropriate forms notarized. Notarizing documents ensures that they are legally binding and serves as proof that you followed all the necessary steps in filing for a divorce. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get your divorce papers notarized:
- Locate a Notary Public: You can find a notary public at places like banks, law offices, post offices or other government agencies. Check with these institutions to see if their services include notarization.
- Prepare Your Documents for Notarization: Make sure all documents are filled out completely and correctly before going to the notary public. Also, be sure to bring a valid form of photo identification with you.
- Sign and Date the Documents: Once you have finished filling out the forms, sign them in front of the notary public and date them. The notary public will also need to witness your signature, so make sure they are present when you sign the documents.
- Have Your Documents Notarized: When everything is ready, the notary public will stamp or seal your documents to confirm that they were properly witnessed and executed according to state law. They may require a fee for their services, so check ahead of time if there is any cost associated with getting your divorce papers notarized.
- Make Copies of Your Notarized Documents: It is always a good idea to make copies of the notarized documents for your records. Keep them in a safe place, just in case you need them later on.
You can now submit your divorce papers to the court with confidence, knowing that they have been properly notarized and are legally binding. Following these steps will ensure that all paperwork is handled correctly, saving you time and preventing any potential legal issues from arising down the road.
Finding a Notary Public, Do it online
Save time and having to be in the same room as your ex by notarizing your documents online. With services like BlueNotary, you can have your divorce papers notarized remotely from the comfort of your own home. All you need is a working webcam and mic to get started. 99% of laptops, tablets and phones will meet this requirement.
BlueNotary provides secure technology that allows both parties to sign documents simultaneously online in front of a live, remote notary public. They also use encryption technology to protect all data transmitted during the process, so you can rest assured that your information remains safe and private throughout.
Whether you choose an in-person or online option for getting your divorce paperwork notarized, it is important to understand how this process works and why it is necessary for any official documents associated with a divorce procedure. With proper preparation and vigilance on your part, you can make sure that your divorce papers are legally binding and that you have taken all the necessary steps in filing for a divorce.
Good luck!
FAQ
1. Do all divorce documents need to be notarized?
Many divorce-related documents require notarization to be legally binding, including the divorce agreement, financial disclosure forms, and marital settlement agreements, though specific requirements may vary by state.
2. What is the purpose of notarizing divorce documents?
Notarizing divorce documents ensures they are legally binding and confirms that the signatures are genuine, protecting against fraud and ensuring that parties have willingly signed the document.
3. Can divorce documents be notarized online?
Yes, with services like BlueNotary, divorce documents can be notarized online, offering convenience and privacy without the need to be in the same room as your ex.
4. How do I get my divorce documents notarized?
Find a notary public at banks, law offices, or online platforms like BlueNotary. Prepare your documents, sign them in front of the notary, and pay any necessary fees to have them legally notarized.
