Attestation is a crucial aspect of signing legal documents to confirm that the document has been properly signed by all parties, and authentication is a legal verification of the document’s authenticity. The concept of attestation goes back to ancient times when historians verified recorded events. It is commonly used for contracts of great personal and financial significance, particularly legal documents such as wills or powers of attorney.
Notarizations are also an essential aspect in filing a police report. The witnesses’ signatures on the document confirm that their statement is accurate, and another person confirms that the signature was acquired genuinely.
Attestations are also necessary for confirming the validity of the document, particularly when signing documents in front of witnesses. Witness signing confirms that the document was seen being signed, and they are aware of the signer’s identification. However, this doesn’t mean that they are responsible for the content of the document itself, which may be incorrect or filled out inaccurately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Attestation and Authentication?
Attestation confirms that the signature in the document is genuine and that the signee’s identity is accurate, while authentication verifies the document’s authenticity and verifies if proper procedures have been followed.
When is Attestation necessary?
Attestation is mostly required for contracts of great personal and financial importance, especially legal documents such as wills or powers of attorney. It is also necessary for confirming the validity of documents, particularly when signing documents in front of witnesses.
Who is responsible for Attestation?
The parties involved in the signing of the document are responsible for attestation, although a third-party notary public or lawyer may sometimes be involved in the process.
Final Thoughts
Attestation is crucial in the signing of legal documents as it confirms the authenticity of the signature and identity of the signee. It is necessary for documents of great personal and financial significance, particularly legal documents such as wills or powers of attorney. It is also crucial for validating the document’s accuracy even when signing in front of witnesses.
