Cleveland Notary

Vehicle titles are used to transfer ownership of cars, trucks, and other vehicles from one person to another in private sales. Completing them incorrectly can result in the need to apply for a duplicate title, so all parties should exercise care when filling out the various fields.

The most important thing to remember about signing over a title is that none of the spaces should be filled in, nor should the title be signed, until a notary public is present. The reasoning behind this advice is simple. Any alterations to the title will void it, so it's essential that both parties complete every entry properly.

The buyer doesn't have to be present when the seller completes the Assignment of Ownership section of the title. However, the seller needs to have the buyer's correct name and address to complete this section. It is considered a sworn statement that the information provided by the seller is truthful and correct.

All of the information in the Assignment of Ownership must be accurate. That includes not just the seller's and buyer's information, but also the odometer reading and the sales price. The seller should not sign the Assignment of Ownership document until he or she has appeared before a mobile notary and given an oath or affirmation. The signature will only be considered valid if it is notarized.

It's also relevant to note here that title signatures can't be notarized if the document has any blank spaces. Open titles for private sales are not allowed in the state of Ohio, so the seller can't just sign the title over and have the buyer notarize it. The seller must be present.

The only exception to this rule is if the seller has an officially assigned Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney form can be obtained at a local BMV or from the website. It also requires a notarized signature from a mobile notary public.

Everyone over the age of 18 should have both a living will and an official assignment of health care power of attorney. Combined, these documents convey the signee's wishes regarding health care and designate another adult to make decisions on their behalf should the person become incapacitated.

It's best to have both living wills and health care power of attorney drawn up before the adult signee needs them. Ohio residents should not wait until they are already gravely ill or in the hospital. If the mobile notary is unable to determine whether the signee fully understands the document, he or she cannot notarize it.

Just like health care power of attorney assigns responsibility for making care decisions on an incapacitated person's behalf, a general, durable, and financial power of attorney permits a person of the signee's choice to handle personal and financial affairs. Depending on the provisions provided in the document, that could include bank accounts, mortgages, securities, or other financial matters.

A power of attorney is an important legal instrument that requires careful execution and consideration. There are generic power of attorney forms available online and from some local stores. Keep in mind that they will not ensure compliance with state or local requirements.

The best way to obtain a power of attorney document for notarization is to check with the relevant financial institutions. Some banks and lenders only accept specific formats, while others have their own power of attorney forms. Individuals with high net worth typically have custom power of attorney forms drawn up by lawyers to ensure that everything is in order.

As with a health care power of attorney, it's best to assign a financial or general power of attorney before it becomes necessary. If the notary public cannot guarantee the consent of the signee, he or she will not be able to notarize the completed document.

Mobile notaries in Ohio cannot directly certify copies of documents that don't involve a signature. They can, however, notarize written statements that the copy is a true reproduction. These statements can be signed, notarized, and attached to the copy. Just keep in mind that this provision does not apply to birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates.

A last will and testament is a vital document that dictates how a person's estate and affairs will be handled following his or her death. It's never wise to use generic, store-bought forms to compose last wills and testaments, especially given that most attorneys will prepare simple forms at a reasonable price.

In Ohio, the assets of a person who dies without a last will and testament will be managed in a Probate Court. There is no guarantee that the court will adhere to the deceased's unofficial wishes. Everyone should have a last will and testament. It doesn't have to be notarized, but many signees request the help of a notary for verifying the two requisite witness signatures.

I-9 forms are provided by Homeland Security to employers who need to confirm identification documents or verify an employee's right to work in the United States. Out-of-state employers often request notarized I-9 forms from Ohio employees.

The problem is, the state of Ohio does not recognize I-9s as notorizable forms. Notaries are not allowed to affix seals or act as notary publics in the signing of I-9s. The good news is, they can verify the employee's ID and sign the I-9 as a remote employer's authorized representative. Ohio workers considering accepting an out-of-state job offer should get in touch with the employer to explain this situation directly.