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The Difference Between an Apostille and a Notarization

If you need to authenticate a document for official use, you might wonder:  Do I need a notarization or an apostille? While both serve as forms of validation, they are not the same and serve different legal purposes. What Is a Notarization? A notarization is performed by a commissioned notary public who verifies the identity of the signer and ensures that they are signing willingly. Notarization does not authenticate the content of the document—it only confirms that the signature is legitimate. Commonly notarized documents include affidavits, powers of attorney, real estate transactions, and sworn statements . What Is an Apostille? An apostille is an official certificate issued by the state or federal government that verifies the authenticity of a document for international use . It confirms that the notary or issuing authority is legitimate. Apostilles are required for documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic records, and legal agreements when used...

How Notary Services Bring Peace of Mind for Families with Loved Ones in Long-Term Care

Navigating paperwork requirements for a loved one in a long-term care facility can be challenging, especially when mobility and coordination barriers come into play. Recently, our notary team had the opportunity to assist a family who needed documents notarized for a relative living in a long-term care facility. This experience highlighted the importance of a compassionate and flexible notary service that meets clients where they are, quite literally.

Long-Term Care Notarizations


The Unique Challenges of Long-Term Care Notarizations

Long-term care residents often face physical limitations that can make signing documents difficult. In some cases, clients are unable to hold a pen or need special accommodations to complete the signing process. This was the case for our client, whose physical limitations required us to arrange for a proxy to assist with the signature.

On top of these challenges, family members may not always live nearby, adding another layer of complexity. For our recent client, traveling to the facility from out of state would have caused considerable disruption. That’s where our team stepped in to handle the entire notarization process from start to finish.

A Full-Service Approach to Notarization

For this particular case, we managed each detail, allowing the family to focus on what truly matters—supporting their loved one. Our end-to-end services included everything from printing and scheduling to coordinating with the proxy signer and shipping the completed documents.

It was gratifying to see how much of a relief our comprehensive approach brought to the family, removing the logistical hurdles they would have otherwise faced. Our priority is to provide a seamless experience that respects both the client’s needs and the constraints they may face, wherever they are.

How We Can Help You

If you have a loved one in a long-term care facility, or if you need a notary for any document that requires special accommodations, please reach out. Our team is here to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible, whether you’re local or miles away.

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The Difference Between an Apostille and a Notarization

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