What is one of the purposes of notarization in legal documents?

One of the primary purposes of notarization in legal documents is to ensure that the signatures on those documents are legitimate and given voluntarily. When a notary public witnesses the signing of a document, they confirm the identity of the signers and verify that they are signing the document of their own free will, without coercion or undue influence. This process serves as a safeguard against fraud and helps maintain the integrity of legal documents.

Notarization adds a level of trust and authenticity to the transaction, as it involves a neutral third party who has been trained to adhere to specific legal standards. This can play a crucial role in legal proceedings, as notarized documents are often seen as more credible and reliable in the eyes of the law.

In contrast, other options, such as simplifying document wording, providing a barrier to legal actions, or reducing paperwork requirements, do not accurately capture the fundamental role of notarization in validating the legitimacy and voluntary nature of signatures on legal documents.