Jail and Prison Notary

What is Jail or Prison Notary?

Notarizations Commonly Requested in Jails Power of Attorney (POA) This legal document grants one person (the agent) the authority to act on behalf of another person (the principal) in legal or financial matters. Inmates often need a POA to allow a trusted individual to manage their affairs while they are incarcerated. ​

Affidavits: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, used as evidence in court. Inmates may need to provide affidavits for various legal proceedings or to assert facts in civil or family law cases.

Property Deeds: These documents are used to transfer ownership of real estate. Inmates might need to sell or transfer property while they are incarcerated, requiring notarization of the deeds to ensure legality. ​

Parental Consent Forms:  These forms grant permission for certain activities involving the inmate's children, such as medical treatment or travel. Notarization ensures that the consent is legally recognized.​

Marriage Licenses: Inmates who wish to get married while incarcerated need a marriage license, which typically requires notarization to validate the identities and consent of the parties involved. 

Divorce Papers: Divorce documents, including petitions and decrees, often need to be notarized to verify the signatures and consent of the parties, ensuring the documents are legally binding.

Wills and Testaments: A will is a legal document that outlines how a person’s assets should be distributed after their death. Inmates may need to create or update their wills, requiring notarization to ensure validity.

Guardianship Papers: These documents appoint a guardian to care for an inmate's minor children or manage their affairs. Notarization is needed to confirm the authenticity and consent of the parties involved.

Inmate Release Forms: These forms are used for various administrative processes related to the inmate’s release, such as transferring custody or arranging for bail. Notarization ensures the legitimacy of these documents.​

Business Documents: Inmates who own businesses may need to execute various business documents, such as contracts, partnership agreements, or corporate resolutions. Notarization is required to ensure these documents are legally enforceable.​​​ These documents often require notarization to ensure they are legally binding and properly executed, especially in the context of the inmate’s limited ability to manage their affairs directly.