Why won't banks notarize certain documents? It's all about LIABILITY & RISK

Banks won’t notarize real estate documents, powers of attorney, or estate planning documents – but we will.

Every document ProActive Mobile Notary engages with is important. But if a careless mistake is made on a notarization involving real estate/property, powers of attorney, or finances or medical treatment, the penalties and liability can be much more severe if the Notary is found to be at fault.

And banks or other institutions that typically notarize documents won’t deal with these because of the risk. Notarization involves the notary public verifying the identities of the signers, witnessing the signing of the documents, and confirming that the signers are acting willingly and not under duress.

If a bank’s staff lacks the necessary training or experience to handle these processes accurately, it could expose the bank to legal risks and liabilities.

In these following situations, a notary must take extra care to properly complete each step in the notarization. Which is why banks won’t touch them.

Real estate documents:

These are risky because they involve high-value property, such as homes or land, and con artists often forge signatures on deeds or other documents to take out fraudulent mortgages or sell a property out from under the rightful owners.

Powers of attorney:

These are risky because, if one is forged, they can give a person control over another individual’s bank accounts, property and even medical treatment. Forging powers of attorney is becoming more common as more people reach retirement age.

Estate plans:

These documents are risky because they determine who gets the person’s assets at death. Those who are left out look for ways to cash in — and go after a Notary who may have improperly notarized the signature.

Notarizing any document is like driving a car. You should always exercise caution behind the wheel, but when driving in a school or playground area you instinctively slow down and take extra precautions.

Improperly notarizing a parental permission slip may not be that risky; however, improperly notarizing a quitclaim deed or mortgage on a home property could result in a bank loaning hundreds of thousands of dollars to an imposter who has no intention of paying it back.

Instead of relying on banks, individuals seeking notarization for real estate, powers of attorney, or estate planning documents typically turn to independent notary publics – like US.

With high-risk documents, we always take extra care when identifying the signers, completing the Notary certificate properly, and recording the Notary journal entry.

Need a Notary? Contact ProActive Mobile Notary Today!

For reliable and flexible notary services in Houston and surrounding areas, including Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Waller County, and Montgomery County, ProActive Mobile Notary is here to assist with your important legal documents.

Why Choose Us?

• Convenience: We come to you! Our service is designed to fit your busy schedule.

• Wide Service Area: Serving Houston, Katy, Cypress, Richmond, Stafford, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Fresno, Pearland, Pasadena, and surrounding areas in Harris and Fort Bend Counties.

Contact Us:

• Phone: (515) 238-6201

• Mobile Service: Schedule a time and place that fits your needs.

• Home Office (by appointment): 4414 Plum Forest Road Houston, Texas 77084

• Hours: 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Please remember that I am not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice.