1. Notarial services
O’Connell Notary Services provides mobile notary public services within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, commissioned through April 8, 2033. As a notary public, I verify the identity of signers, witness signatures, administer oaths and affirmations, and perform other authorized notarial acts in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws c. 222. I am not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice, draft or select legal documents, explain their legal effect, or advise clients on matters of law.
2. Identification required
As a business policy, every signer should bring valid, current government-issued photo identification to the appointment. Massachusetts law also permits identity to be established through a qualifying credible witness or the notary’s personal knowledge in appropriate circumstances. Notarization will be declined if I am unable to identify a signer through satisfactory evidence, if the signer appears unable to understand the transaction, does not appear to sign willingly, or shows signs of coercion or fraud.
3. Signer capacity & awareness
Massachusetts law requires that I personally know the signer or that satisfactory evidence of the signer’s identity be provided. All signers must appear aware of the transaction, capable of understanding it, and signing of their own volition. I will refuse to notarize if there is any doubt.
4. Massachusetts notary record requirements
Notarial acts are recorded in an official journal as required by M.G.L. c. 222, § 22. Journal records are safeguarded and disclosed only as permitted or required by law, including an official law-enforcement investigation, court order, or direction of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. Each entry contains the information required by law, including the date and time, type of act, document description, signer information, evidence of identity, fee, and location.
5. Appointments & travel
Appointments are scheduled by mutual agreement and subject to availability. Requested times are confirmed in advance but not guaranteed until confirmed. I provide mobile notary services throughout Massachusetts. A travel fee may apply based on distance and is disclosed before the appointment is confirmed.
6. Fees & payment
Fees are quoted in advance and charged in accordance with applicable Massachusetts law. No notarial fee is charged for acts that Massachusetts law requires to be performed without charge, including specified voting materials and veterans’ benefit applications or claims. Any permitted travel, printing, or administrative fee is disclosed separately and agreed upon before the appointment. Fees are due at the time of service unless otherwise arranged in writing. Agreed travel fees remain due if a signing cannot be completed because of missing identification, incomplete documents, or signer ineligibility.
7. Cancellations & no-shows
Appointment slots are held exclusively for you. Cancellations or reschedule requests made at least 24 hours before the appointment are free of charge. Cancellations, reschedules, or no-shows with less than 24 hours’ notice are subject to a $25 late-cancellation fee, plus any travel fee already incurred. If I arrive for a scheduled appointment and the signing cannot proceed because a signer isn’t present, valid ID isn’t available, or documents are incomplete, the full travel fee (and any applicable no-show fee) remains due. Genuine emergencies are handled on a case-by-case basis.
8. Right to decline
I reserve the right to decline any notarization that does not comply with Massachusetts law, where I am unable to confirm a signer’s identity, where a signer lacks capacity, where I suspect fraud or undue influence, or where I have a conflict of interest. I will provide a brief explanation of the reason for any refusal.
9. Prohibited acts
I will not notarize: blank or incomplete documents; documents in which I am a party, am named, or have a disqualifying financial interest; documents for a spouse, domestic partner, parent, guardian, child, sibling, or related in-law, step, or half relative; acknowledgments where the signer does not personally appear as required by law; or any transaction that appears fraudulent or unlawful, or where a signer lacks awareness or willingness.
10. Privacy & confidentiality
Personal information collected through this site or during appointments is used solely to provide and confirm notarial services. It is kept confidential and is not sold or shared to any third party, except as required by law, court order, or to maintain the official notary journal required by Massachusetts law.
11. Limitation of liability
Services are provided in good faith and in accordance with applicable Massachusetts law. Liability for any claim arising from a notarization is limited to the amount of the notarial fee paid for that service. I am not responsible for the content, accuracy, legal sufficiency, or enforceability of any document presented. The notarization certifies only that the signer appeared before me and was properly identified.