The requirement for authentication of divorce-related documents by a notary public varies significantly based on jurisdiction. Some states and local courts mandate that certain affidavits, declarations, or agreements submitted as part of a divorce proceeding bear a notary’s seal, confirming the identity of the signatory and attesting to the authenticity of the signature. For example, a financial affidavit, detailing assets and debts, often requires notarization to ensure the information is provided under penalty of perjury.
The purpose of requiring this authentication is to deter fraud and ensure the integrity of the legal process. Historically, notarization has served as a safeguard against falsification of documents. It provides a higher level of assurance to the court that the individuals signing the documents are indeed who they claim to be and that they did so willingly. The absence of this requirement could potentially lead to disputes over the validity of signatures and the accuracy of the information presented to the court, thereby complicating and prolonging the divorce process.
