Adoption Services

 Many people are aware of the notarization requirements to complete a power of attorney, sell or buy real estate, obtain a loan, or execute a will. If you’re like many others, you may not be familiar with the strict standards set in place by the US government and foreign nations when couples are seeking an international adoption. In many ways, an adoption is among the most enjoyable reasons to retain a notary professional. It’s rewarding because a child become part of a new family. However, there are some stringent requirements that make an international adoption challenging. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering adopting a child from another country – or if you’re a notary professional looking to get involved with international adoptions 

 The notary public’s job when executing documents related to international adoptions does not differ greatly from other transactions. As a state-appointed official, a notary serves as an impartial witness in performing tasks intended to deter fraud that might otherwise be widespread in the execution of critical documents. In the context of international adoptions, the role of a notary is to:

• Follow the laws and rules of the state where they’re commissioned, without inserting personal judgment or discretion into the process.
• Verify the identities of the parties who are signing important documents, such as the records required to complete an international adoption within the confines of the law.
• Ensure that the parties are signing through their own free will, and without intimidation.
• Make sure the people signing a document are aware of the contents and the overall transaction – though a notary cannot express on opinion of the material itself.
• At times, the laws of a state may require a notary to place the signer under oath to affirm the truth of the statements contained in the documents.

The duty of impartiality is a key component of a notary professional’s responsibilities. They cannot act when they have a personal interest in the transaction or documents, and they cannot refuse services based on up race, ethnicity, religion, politics and other factors.