Notarize Divorce & Custody
Divorce and custody documents often require notarization before filing with the court. Marital settlement agreements, property division documents, parenting plans, and custody modifications may all need to be signed before a notary. Proper notarization ensures the court accepts the documents.
What You Need to Bring
Divorce & Custody Requirements by State
California
- •Marital Settlement Agreement is typically notarized
- •Property deeds transferring ownership require notarization
- •Pension and retirement division orders may need notarization
- •California is a community property state
- •Uncontested divorce forms can be filed without an attorney
California community property laws require careful division of assets. Any real property transfers as part of a divorce require notarized deeds.
Texas
- •Agreed Divorce Decree may require notarization
- •Property division documents often need notarization
- •Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) forms
- •Texas is a community property state
- •Waiver of citation may be notarized
Texas divorce paperwork varies by county. In uncontested divorces, a waiver of citation signed by the responding spouse is typically notarized.
Illinois
- •Marital Settlement Agreement is notarized
- •Joint Simplified Dissolution available for qualifying couples
- •Property division and maintenance agreements
- •Cook County has specific filing procedures
- •Allocation of Parental Responsibilities forms
Illinois offers a Joint Simplified Dissolution process for couples without children and minimal assets. The agreement must still be notarized before filing.
Notarize Divorce & Custody Near You
California
Florida
Illinois
New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a divorce agreement need to be notarized?
In most cases, yes. Marital settlement agreements, property division documents, and waivers of citation typically need to be notarized before filing with the court.
Do both spouses need to be present at the notary?
Not necessarily together. Each spouse can have their signature notarized separately. They do not need to be in the same room at the same time.
Can custody documents be notarized online?
In Texas and Illinois, Remote Online Notarization (RON) may be available for some custody documents. Check with your attorney and court for specific acceptance of RON documents.
Other Documents That Need Notarization
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