Texas Notary Law Makes Handling Legal Matters Easier

A new Texas law should make handling legal matters that require a notary easier for those overseas or in the hospital. Notary seals are required for many legal documents. Family Law, Child Custody, Divorce and areas of Criminal Law require a notary seal in many cases.

Individuals could use an unsworn declaration. This law was passed in September 2011 under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Instead of making a trip to a notary and paying the small fee, a person can make a written declaration which has to include: their name, address, date of birth, and signature, under penalty of perjury, that the document is true.

The general now is that an unsworn declaration can be used instead of a sworn declaration. This was an effort to help life move along and make the handling of some matters easier and faster.

This is a huge benefit for those overseas. Finding a notary overseas is difficult and most American’s overseas would have to go to an American Consulate to obtain a notary seal. Now, they can simply mail over an unsworn declaration and allow the legal matters to proceed.

Many attorneys and lawyers may not know about the law or choose to continue using a notary for their documents. Some have pointed to the importance of guaranteeing a document is legitimate by comparing a notary back to the days of kings and wax seals. Wax was often used to seal documents to prove they were from the king or someone of importance.

Laws and procedures change regularly. If you need a lawyer with knowledge and experience, contact The Goodman Law Firm in Rockwall today. We also offer a free case consultation to help answer any questions you have before hiring us to handle your legal needs.