What is notarization in the context of North Carolina legal documents?

Notarization is a critical process in the context of North Carolina legal documents, primarily characterized by the official witnessing of a document signing. When a notary public notarizes a document, they confirm that the individuals signing the document are who they claim to be and that they are signing willingly and under no duress. This process adds an essential layer of legitimacy and trustworthiness to legal documents by ensuring that signatures are authentic.

Notarization serves various purposes, such as preventing fraud and enhancing the reliability of documents, which is vital in legal proceedings and transactions. It is particularly relevant in various scenarios, including wills, contracts, and affidavits, where verification of identity is crucial.

Other options such as approval by a judge, filing with the courts, or review by a legal expert do not accurately capture the essence of notarization. Notarization does not involve judicial oversight, does not require paperwork to be filed in court as part of the process itself, nor does it include a review for accuracy by an attorney. Instead, it focuses solely on the event of witnessing the signing of the document.