Which term is typically used for a legal document that has been validated through notarization?

A notarized agreement is a legal document that has been confirmed by a notary public, who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of the document. The role of the notary is to ensure that the individuals signing the document are doing so voluntarily and are who they claim to be. This process adds an extra layer of authenticity and credibility to the agreement, making it more legally binding and enforceable in a court of law. Notarization can also help prevent fraud and might be a requirement for certain types of documents, such as property deeds or financial agreements.

In contrast, contract modifications refer to changes made to an existing agreement, which may or may not require notarization. Legal enforceability denotes the ability of a contract to be upheld in a court, but does not specifically imply that the document has undergone notarization. A witness statement may involve a party observing the signing of a document, but it does not carry the same legal weight and verification that comes from notarization.