I have been asked by a signing company to have a client sign a document in which none of the blanks have been completed. It does not even contain the name of the client. The company wanted me to take the incomplete document to the client, have the client sign, and then notarize it. Is this legal? Or ethical? — J.C., Westcliffe, CO
No, it is neither legal nor ethical. Notarizing blank or incomplete documents is grounds for disciplinary action against a Notary. Colorado Revised Statutes 12-55-107 states, “The secretary of state or the secretary of state’s designee may deny the application of any person for appointment or reappointment or take disciplinary or nondisciplinary action against a notary public if the notary public: …(g) Notarizes any blank document;…”
Hotline answers are based on the laws in the state where the question originated and may not reflect the laws of other states. If in doubt, always refer to your own state statutes. – The Editors
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