When preparing legal documents, even minor mistakes can lead to significant delays or legal complications. Whether you’re drafting a Will, a power of attorney, or real estate transaction paperwork, accuracy is crucial. Carter Notary in Victoria, British Columbia, has years of experience in the proper preparation and legal soundness of legal documents as a Notary Public. Here are some common mistakes people make when preparing legal documents and how one of our experienced Notaries can help you avoid them.
1. Incorrect or Missing Signatures
One of the most common mistakes is missing or incorrect signatures. Legal documents often require multiple signatures from different parties, and any omission can render the document invalid. Some documents also need witnesses or must be signed in front of a Notary to be legally binding.
How Carter Notary Helps
One of our Notaries will guide you through the process, ensuring that you have all required signatures in place and that you sign the documents in the correct locations. If your document requires witnesses, Carter Notary can provide them, ensuring that everything is executed properly.
2. Failing to Date Documents
Another frequent oversight is failing to date legal documents or backdating them to an earlier time. Dates play an essential role in determining the validity of a document, especially in cases of disputes or legal challenges. Incorrect dates can cause issues with the document’s enforceability.
How Carter Notary Helps
Carter Notary ensures all necessary dates are clearly indicated and in proper format, minimizing the risk of disputes down the road. Please note that you should not date any of your paperwork before coming to our office during your appointment.
Please DO NOT date any paperwork prior to your appointment.
3. Using Incorrect Terminology
Legal documents require precise language. Misusing legal terminology or failing to include specific phrases can change the meaning of a document or make it invalid. For example, in a Will, improper wording may cause assets to be distributed incorrectly, leading to conflict among beneficiaries.
How Carter Notary Helps
Beverly Carter and her team have the experience of reviewing documents and ensuring that the language used is accurate, clear, and compliant with British Columbia’s legal standards. We can help you avoid the pitfalls of DIY legal templates that often contain vague or inappropriate language, rendering them invalid.
4. Not Updating Documents
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the purchase of new property often necessitate updates to legal documents. Failing to review and update your documents after these events can leave your intentions unclear, and old information could cause complications.
How Carter Notary Helps
We can remind you to review your legal documents periodically and help make any necessary updates. This ensures your documents reflect your current wishes and situation, safeguarding your interests.
5. Incorrect Witness Requirements
Many legal documents must be witnessed by a third party to be considered valid. People often forget that witnesses must meet specific criteria, such as being of legal age or having no interest in the document’s outcome. Choosing the wrong witness can invalidate the entire document.
How Carter Notary Helps
Carter Notary ensures eligible individuals witness your documents, providing peace of mind that everything is done according to legal requirements.
6. Ignoring Legal Requirements Specific to British Columbia
To be valid, documents in British Columbia must adhere to its own legal standards and requirements. Many people make the mistake of using generic forms or templates that don’t account for these local regulations.
How Carter Notary Helps
As a locally based Notary Public, Carter Notary understands British Columbia’s legal landscape. We ensure your documents comply with all provincial requirements, saving you time and hassle in the future.
Preparing legal documents doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By working with Carter Notary, you can avoid these common mistakes and ensure your documents are valid, legally sound, and ready to serve their intended purpose. Whether you’re drafting a Will, signing a power of attorney, or closing a real estate deal, Carter Notary is here to help.
Contact Carter Notary at (250) 383-4100 to schedule an appointment, or use our easy online booking tool and ensure your legal documents are prepared correctly the first time.