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Can a document witness be related to the Notary or the signer?

I am a Maryland Notary and I am scheduled to conduct a closing for a seller that is selling a property in Florida which requires a witness to the deed signing. Can the witness be a family member of the signer? Can the witness be a family member of the Notary?J.M., Maryland

We are not aware of a rule prohibiting a family member of the signer or Notary from signing as a witness on a deed in Florida.  However, you should have the signer check with the receiving agency for instructions regarding the witness requirements. Ultimately, it is the decision of the receiving agency.

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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6 Comments

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Tawanna Urquhart

09 Dec 2021

I’m a new notary and I found the article informational

Walter Lucero

23 Dec 2021

Does a notary need 3 witnesses when the principle is 91 years old with demencia ?

National Notary Association

28 Dec 2021

Based on what you’ve described, we think it would be best if you contacted our Hotline team by phone to discuss the situation with them in more detail. The NNA Hotline: 1-888-876-0827 Mon – Fri: 5:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (PT) Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (PT) If you’re not an NNA Member or Hotline Subscriber, they will provide you with a one-time courtesy call.

ENRIQUE B. JONES

11 Oct 2022

The article was informative. What can I do to speed up the process of receiving NSA assignments?

National Notary Association

13 Oct 2022

Hello. Signing Agent Gordon Collins recently wrote an article for us with suggestions on how to find assignments. You can find it here: https://www.nationalnotary.org/notary-bulletin/blog/2022/06/how-get-work-new-notary-signing-agent

Denise Ellis

27 Nov 2022

I'm a new notary in Florida and I find this information very good.

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