In the grand scheme of wedding preparations, the last thing you need is another expense haunting your “to-buy” list. We get it – eye rolls and all. But fear not, prenup notarization doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, especially not with HelloPrenup. For a mere $50, you can have your prenup notarized seamlessly through the online platform – no hidden fees, no tricks. Just a straightforward process that’s a few clicks away. But alas, this article will walk you through the ins and outs of prenup notaries, your different options, and the various factors that go into the cost of one.
But first…prenups
Before diving into the world of prenup notaries, let’s stop and appreciate the art of prenups. Prenuptial agreements, commonly known as prenups, are contracts entered into by couples before marriage. Their primary purpose is to establish the financial rights and responsibilities of each party, both during the marriage and in case the marriage ends in divorce, separation, or death.
Prenups are a contract, so naturally, there are certain requirements that must be met in order for them to be considered valid and enforceable. Those requirements are set out by each state. What is required in one state may not be required in another state. For instance: notarization. Not every single state requires a prenup to be notarized for it to be enforced; however, many lawyers recommend getting a prenup notarized regardless of which state you’re in.
The role of a prenup notary
A prenup notary (a.k.a. “Notary Public”) plays an important role in the execution of a prenuptial agreement. Many states require prenups to be signed and stamped by a Notary Public. Without it, the prenup will likely be considered invalid. A prenup notary’s responsibility is to ensure that the signers are who they say they are (verifying identification), ensure that the signers know what document they are signing, and officially sign and stamp the document for legal validity.
Factors influencing the cost of a prenup notary
The cost of notarizing a prenup can vary widely based on several factors, such as what type of notary service utilized, location, and which company selected.
Type of notary service
There are several ways to get something notarized: in-person at a third-party location (such as a store or bank), in-person at your home (mobile notarization), or online. The most expensive way to get something notarized is through a mobile notary. They charge you to come to your home or office and notarize documents in person at your chosen location. This cost hovers around the $100-$150 mark. On the other hand, online and in-person notaries at a third-party location are about the same price, ranging from $15 to $50, depending on your location and which company you use.
Geographic location
Notary fees can vary based on the geographic location, just like any other service. Big cities, such as San Francisco and New York, often have higher notary fees compared to smaller cities and areas. If you’re going with the online route, the cost generally remains the same no matter where you live–that is the beauty of the internet!
Company
Of course, companies that provide notarization services have the right to choose their cost. What an online notary company charges may be different than what a shipping store charges. For example, when you get your prenup notarized through HelloPrenup, it costs $50 flat! The price to get it done at another company may not be the exact same.
Choosing the right prenup notary service
Does any old notary work for prenup notarization? The answer is that you need a licensed and active Notary Public to notarize your prenup. There is no special “prenup notary” who only does prenups. Any legitimate Notary Public is acceptable. However, there’s still the question of which notary service to use. Keep reading to understand some factors that you should consider.
Cost
Cost is always a factor in any decision, of course. For instance, hiring a mobile notary costs $100 to $150, which may be outside of your budget. But not to worry–there are much cheaper options, like using HelloPrenup’s platform to get your document notarized ($50).
Convenience
How much convenience in the notarization process are you looking for? Are you okay with driving to your local bank and possibly waiting in line to get your prenup notarized? Or would you prefer to do it from the comfort of your own home with a virtual notary?
Legitimacy
If you have a cousin’s friend’s neighbor’s husband’s coworker who is a Notary Public and can notarize the prenup for you, you may want first to ensure that their notary license is legitimate. Every Notary Public is assigned a commission number and is required to renew their license periodically (the renewal process is a state-by-state matter). Making sure that the person notarizing your agreement is in good standing is important.
HelloPrenup client experiences with notarization
Real experiences are an excellent way to get a feel for how a process really works. We spoke with real HelloPrenup customers who went through the process and got their prenup notarized online.
One such customer, Kylie, explained how quick and easy the process was and how getting the prenup notarized online was super convenient. She told us, “Everything was handed to us on a platter and . . . felt too good to be true. I didn’t even know you could notarize online!”
Another customer we spoke with said, “I love that [HelloPrenup] guides you [through] the entire process. Even until the notarized thing, we were like, ‘Okay, now we have the document. What are we going to do?’ And we did it as [HelloPrenup] explains with the [notarization].”
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, getting your prenup notarized is an important part of the prenup process. Some states require it, and even if you’re not in one of those states, it’s a good idea to get it done anyway. And it’s not too expensive if you choose the right service and company. And don’t forget, you have the option to notarize your prenup by using the HelloPrenup platform. This can significantly simplify your life, especially considering the mountain of wedding preparations on your plate already. And it’s just $50! Cheers to simple and affordable online solutions!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about prenup notaries
Let’s dig into some more questions you had for us about prenup notaries.
Q: What is the average cost of notarizing a prenup?
A: The cost varies based on factors like which company you use and location. The cost to get your prenup notarized online through HelloPrenup is $50.
Q: Is there a special type of Notary Public that only does prenups?
A: No, there is no special type of Notary Public certified to do prenups. Any validly licensed Notary Public is acceptable for prenup notarization.
Q: Can I create a prenup without a notary?
A: It depends on your state. There are certain states that don’t formally require notarization. Many lawyers recommend notarization regardless of your state because it adds a level of protection to your agreement.
Q: How long does the notarization process take?
A: It takes 30 minutes or less, depending on how quickly you can provide the necessary documentation and information, such as your identification.
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: [email protected]
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