Can a Notary notarize a document in NYS for a relative? Where could I look this up?

Question

Can a Notary notarize a document in NYS for a relative? Where could I look this up?

Answer 1

I dont think they are supposed to, but if the different last names, they maybe could get by with it.

Answer 2

Your question is vague and confusing.  Do you mean for a relative of the notary?  More detail would greatly help.

Answer 3

In general, most state laws do not expressly prohibit notarizing for a relative. However, Notaries who do so in many instances will violate statutes prohibiting a direct beneficial interest. For instance, if a Notary is asked to witness her husband's signature on a loan document for the purchase of a home they will share, she will directly benefit from the transaction and should disqualify herself.

The likelihood of a direct beneficial interest is usually greater with immediate family members -- spouse, mother, father, son, daughter, sister or brother -- than with non-immediate, such as in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. The matter of interest in an inheritance is more often a consideration with lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) and ascendants (parents, grandparents, etc.) than with nonlinear relatives.

In many instances, a Notary will have no beneficial interest in notarizing for a relative and will not be prevented by law from doing so. However, to avoid later questioning of the Notary's impartiality, as well as accusations of undue influence, it is always safest for a signer to find a Notary who is not related.

Answer 4

Assuming that acronym is for New York State.  Yes, if the relative lives there and brings the document to the notary they can notarize it.  Most banks have a notary on staff.

A notary can't notarize something that has already been signed.