What Is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement of fact that is sworn or affirmed to be true. It is commonly used in legal, financial, and administrative matters.
Examples include:
- Name change affidavits
- Residency affidavits
- Small estate affidavits
- Identity or correction affidavits
When notarized, the signer swears under oath that the information is accurate, which carries legal consequences if false.
What Is a Power of Attorney (POA)?
A Power of Attorney grants authority to another person (the agent) to act on your behalf. POAs are frequently used for:
- Financial management
- Medical decisions
- Real estate transactions
- Business operations
Texas recognizes several types of POAs, including durable and medical powers of attorney, many of which require notarization to be valid.
Important Considerations
- Signers must be mentally competent
- No coercion is permitted
- Documents must be complete before notarization
- The notary cannot draft or modify the document
Proper notarization ensures these critical documents are legally recognized and enforceable.