GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

Ever found yourself staring at a stack of important papers, wondering if you really need a special stamp or signature to make them official? Well, you’re not alone! I’ve been there too, scratching my head over what exactly a notary does and why their role is so crucial. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of document authentication and unravel the mystery behind the notarization process. The Notarization Process Explained: What Happens and Why It Matters So, what’s this not

Every now and then a question comes up that surprises people more than it surprises me. One of the most common is very simple. Do leases in Washington need to be notarized? The answer is sometimes, yes. Under RCW 59.18.210, any residential lease that lasts longer than 1 year must be in writing and notarized to be considered legally enforceable in Washington. Month to month leases or renewals under a year do not require notarization. However, once the lease term goes beyond th

There is a common misconception about what a notary actually does during an appointment. Many people sit down with a document in hand expecting explanations, clarifications, or a quick walk through of what everything means. It makes perfect sense. Legal documents can feel intimidating, especially when you are signing something important like a power of attorney, real estate papers, medical directives, or long term lease agreements. Here is the part that surprises most people.

Most people think notarizing a document is simple. A quick stamp, a signed paper, and you are done. But behind that stamp is legal responsibility that carries real consequences. One mistake can not only ruin a notary’s career, it can also lead to lawsuits, financial damage, or even criminal charges. As a professional notary serving Washington State, I take this part of my job seriously. And for good reason. There are real cases involving real notaries who thought shortcuts or

If you have heard the latest news about interest rates, you may already know that average mortgage rates have dipped into the low 6% range. Anytime rates shift, the real estate world responds, and people start wondering whether they should refinance, buy, sell, or just wait it out. If you are unsure what this rate drop means for you, here is a simple overview that breaks it down without the confusing lender jargon. 🏠 Thinking About Refinancing Your Mortgage? One of the first

If you have recently found yourself struggling to keep up with mortgage payments, you may have seen the term loan modification pop up in your search for answers. If you are not totally sure what it means, you are not alone. Many homeowners are confused about what loan modifications really are and how they work, especially when compared to refinancing or other options. Let’s walk through the most common questions people ask when they are considering a loan modification and lo

When most people think about notary fraud, they picture forged signatures or maybe a botched ID check. What they do not imagine is murder, stolen property, or families devastated by crimes that could have been stopped with a simple refusal to notarize. But that is the reality. Notary fraud is not just a paperwork issue. It is a real threat that has destroyed lives and careers and it is often the result of someone bending a rule, skipping a step, or trying to “be helpful.” Bel

Life has a way of piling on the stress. Between work deadlines, bills, medical decisions, family matters, and everything else on the never ending to do list, it is no surprise that most people feel overwhelmed far too often. But there is something that can calm the chaos better than a mindfulness app, a new planner, or another deep breathing exercise. Pets. Especially those with four paws and a wagging tail. Science now confirms what pet lovers already knew in their bones. Do

If you are finding it harder and harder to keep up with your mortgage payments, you are not alone. Life changes fast. A sudden job loss, medical emergency, divorce, reduced work hours, or an unexpected increase in your adjustable rate mortgage can turn a previously manageable payment into a serious financial challenge. Many homeowners in Washington believe their only options are to refinance or face foreclosure. But there is a third option that could help you stay in your hom

As a Washington State notary public, my goal is to make your signing process smooth, stress-free, and 100% legal. But every so often, I’m asked questions that no notary can legally say “yes” to without breaking the law or putting your documents at risk. If you want your notarization to be valid, enforceable, and safe from legal challenges, here are three questions you should never ask a notary , and why the answer will always be a firm “no.” ❌ 1. “I don’t have ID, can you jus

Online notarization is one of the most convenient ways to get your important documents signed and sealed without leaving your home or...

Online notarization might sound like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, but here in Washington State, it’s real, legal, and...

Most notarizations go exactly as expected. I show up, verify ID, witness the signature, stamp the document, and we are done. But...

Got a document from another state that needs to be notarized here in Washington? You are definitely not alone. This is something I run...

Let’s be real. To many people, notarizing a document looks like a quick stamp and a signature. But in reality, notarization is a legal...

It is never fun to turn someone away. When a client is in front of me needing a notarization, my natural instinct is to help. But...

Every document I notarize is important, but let us be honest, some carry far higher stakes than others. When a document involves real...

As a Washington State notary, one of the most frequent issues I run into is paperwork that is missing a notary certificate or includes...

Technology is advancing faster than ever, and while much of it makes life easier, not all of it works in our favor. A recent example...

As a Washington State notary, I have heard just about every myth in the book when it comes to what notaries can and cannot do. These...