Posted by Kim Schultz on 1/12/06 10:59am
Msg #87837

Newbie - questions re:adoption papers

HI - I would apprciate any input on signing Adoption papers for Russia. They are asking me to notarize copies of passports and according to everything I know on CA signings the only copies I can notarize are Power of Attorneys and the Journal. Any input? Need to do tonight (1/12/06).

Reply by SharonMN on 1/12/06 11:05am
Msg #87843

I work in international finance and often receive requests for notarized copies of passports from other countries. Generally not allowed by US notaries. Sometimes what works is to have the person whose passport it is write "I certify/swear that this is a true copy of my passport" and then you can do an ack or jurat on THAT instead of on the passport itself. Check your state notary laws. Or sometimes they will take a non-notarized photocopy.

Reply by Kim Schultz on 1/12/06 11:19am
Msg #87853

Thanks Sharon - I will check with CA laws - sometimes it is just very tough getting through the legalese to understand the actual law - but I'm stubborn and will get it.

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 1/12/06 1:30pm
Msg #87913

Certified copies in TX

In Texas we can not certify copies of birth certificates, passports, green cards, marriage licenses, and other recordable docs. I asked the Texas SOS for a list of what can and what cannot have notarized certified copies and they said this list does not exist. If you get the run around by your SOS, you might want to try asking for a list from your local bank.

Reply by Kelly M Robertson on 1/12/06 2:56pm
Msg #87936

Hi Kim - I've done these before

Your thinking is correct. However, I bet the adoption agency just wants this (have your customer call them to be sure): A STATEMENT from the Document Custodian (whoever the passport belongs to) swearing/affirming that the copy is indeed a true copy of the original (ithe couple will have to go to Russia to get their child). Use a Jurat after the statement and you're done! Email me directly if you have any questions.