Estate Planning

• Self-proving affidavit for a will
  This affidavit accompanies your will and allows the probate court to accept the will without requiring your witnesses to testify later. Notarization ensures it is properly executed and enforceable.

• Durable Power of Attorney
   This document allows someone to handle your financial and legal affairs on your behalf. Texas law requires it to be notarized in order to be valid.

• Medical Power of Attorney
  This document authorizes someone to make medical decisions for you if you are incapacitated. It must either be notarized or witnessed to be effective.

• Directive to Physicians (Living Will)
  This document states your wishes regarding life-sustaining medical treatment. While it may also be witnessed, notarization is often preferred for clarity and acceptance.

Civil Litigation

• Affidavits of fact
  These sworn statements are used as evidence in court. Notarization confirms that the statement was made under oath and carries legal weight.

• Verifications of pleadings or discovery responses
  Certain court filings require a sworn statement affirming their accuracy. A notarized verification ensures compliance with court rules.

• Waivers of citation/service
  This document, often used in probate or family law, waives your right to formal service of process. Notarization ensures the waiver is valid and enforceable.

• Settlement Agreements
  While not always required, having a settlement agreement notarized strengthens its enforceability and reduces the risk of dispute over signatures or authenticity.

Business/Commercial Transactions

• Certificate of Formation for certain entities (if needed abroad)
  If your corporate documents need to be recognized in a foreign jurisdiction, notarization may be required for authentication and apostille purposes.

• Signatures on deeds of trust or real estate documents
  Real estate transactions often require notarization to properly record the transfer of property or to secure loans against property.

• Security agreements where real property is involved
  In some cases, notarization is required to record the lien or interest in property, particularly when the documents will be filed publicly.

International Law

• Powers of Attorney for use in foreign jurisdictions
  Many foreign governments and institutions require a notarized power of attorney to recognize your designated representative’s authority.

• Declarations, consents, or affidavits for foreign courts or agencies
  When submitting statements or authorizations to a foreign authority, notarization ensures that the document is formally acknowledged and accepted abroad, depending on the laws of the foreign nation.