Beware of these documents when getting them Notarized

The private sale of vehicles puts people unfamiliar with the process in the position of filling out paperwork they do not normally encounter. Errors in completing the form can mean a need to obtain a duplicate title. Following some specific guidelines can help to avoid any errors that could void the document.

• Only sign the title and fill in the information on the document when in front of the notary. Alterations are not allowed.
• Complete the deal before filling in the Assignment of Ownership section. The document must include the buyer's name and address along with their notarized signature. Also include the current odometer reading and the selling price.
• Sellers must include only legitimate information on the title because it is a sworn and legally notarized statement. The seller could face legal complications if they do not list all information accurately.
• A notary will not sign or place a seal on any incomplete document. Do not leave any blank spaces to complete later. Have all information available to transfer onto the title with the notary present.
• Buyers do not need to be present at the time of the title transfer, but sellers do. Never sign over a title to the buyer for them to notarize later alone. The law enforces sellers to appear before a notary to prevent property loss due to a stolen title.
• Sellers may complete a Power of Attorney and select an executor to act on their behalf at the BMV if they cannot appear before the notary. Copies of the required form are found at any BMV location and on the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. The signature on the paperwork is invalid unless notarized.

A Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney provide personal protection for adults. It allows the individual to select someone they trust to make healthcare decisions for them if they are incapacitated and unable to communicate their preferences for themselves. It is easy to find copies of the documents for no charge at the Summit County Recorder, the Ohio Department of Health website, and many agencies that serve the senior community. Most health care facilities can also provide the forms.

Complete the documents while able to do so and keep them on-hand when needed. Notaries cannot accept the forms from anyone unable to communicate their wishes or respond to questions from the notary. They will also refuse them from someone claiming to represent a hospitalized individual. It is only possible to notarize forms when the person affected can communicate their wishes directly to the mobile notary.

A financial power of attorney allows another agent to make financial decisions and handle personal affairs for an individual when they become incapacitated. Choose a financial power of attorney (POA) with care because the document allows them to access and make decisions on all money matters. The POA agent can access bank accounts, pay bills, and make investment decisions as needed. Take time preparing the form because the signer can adjust the amount of control given to the agent.

• Avoid generic forms because they may not meet legal requirements.

Discuss access to the accounts with all financial institutions used. Learn what requirements they have for POA agents.

Consider hiring an attorney to create a customized document.

Complete, file, and notarize the documents before a need exists. The signer must show an awareness of the content and believably state they chose the agent of their free will. Notaries will refuse documents if they believe someone coerced the signer into giving over control or does not understand the content of the forms.

Copies of documents are not eligible for notary signs or seals. To validate a copy of a certificate, the individual who holds it can write a statement swearing that it is a true copy of the original. To notarize the statement, bring the document copy and the statement to the notary. Do not sign the paper without the notary present. The notary may sign and place a seal only on the statement and not the certificate copy.

*NOTE* A Notary cannot accept statements for some types of certifications. Copies are not valid for any vital record documents. Only original forms are allowed for birth and death certificates and marriage and divorce certificates.

This document is possibly the most crucial document people complete. Mistakes made during the preparation of this document are impossible to correct if discovered too late. The absence of a will forces probate courts to decide who receives an inheritance. The cost of the process will come from the estate and reduce the amount left to heirs. Incorrectly prepared wills could cause family conflicts. A few simple steps help to avoid complications.

• Create a will as soon as possible and keep the document updated when life changes occur.
• Avoid generic wills and use an attorney for the preparation and revisions of the document.
• Notarize all wills and use non-related witnesses who are not involved with the estate. Consider having the signatures of the witnesses also notarized.

I-9 forms are employment forms the U.S. government requires for all employees. The purpose of the form is to identify the employee and make sure the individual has the legal right to work in the United States. Employers based in other states may request that Ohio residents working for them have their I-9 form notarized, but this is not legal in Ohio. Notaries in the state may only certify and apply a notary stamp to signatures. To avoid employment disruption, a notary can verify the individual's identification and sign the document as an authorized representative rather than a notary.