Many of life's most important transactions must be notarized. Some people only notarize a few documents in their lives and are unfamiliar with the purpose... they wonder: why does a stranger need to watch me sign a document?

Notarization serves three purposes:

1. To ensure the person signing a document is properly identified
2. To ensure the intended person signs the document under their own free will
3. To ensure the transaction can be independently verified after the fact

Notarization is a system to prevent fraud and notary publics are front line officers in that battle.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a frequently notarized document. When executed, a POA gives someone the legal authority to make decisions on your behalf. Many private wealth managers require a POA to manage your money. By requiring notarization, a financial institution can be certain their client actually signed the document under their own free will. And, as a consumer, you are also protected by notarization. Because someone must identify themselves when visiting a notary, it is an important safeguard to ensure someone cannot fraudulently grant power of attorney on your behalf. This same system ensures someone cannot  take out a mortgage in your name or execute a will in your name.  It gives both financial institutions and government recording agencies confidence in the validity of documents