| In Louisiana, any act in writing that is executed in front of a notary public and two witnesses is called an authentic act. And that means that it is full proof as to the authenticity of the signatures. All mortgages here, as well as many other documents have the two witness requirements. Interestingly, for some documents, there is not an age requirement, but rather an "age of understanding" requirement. Wills that I prepare I select the witnesses, but other docs such as a mortgage, I allow the borrowers to select and provide the competent witnesses to make things easier for them. Not to mention the fact that my family and friends do not want to go to borrowers homes every day. However, in Louisiana, a notary may NEVER be a witness to a document that he or she is the notary for. It seems that other states must allow notaries to witness. Is this correct for any of you? Have a busy next few days and a great weekend, Janet |
