This Legal Loophole in Texas allows Gift Warranty Deeds to be notarized without witnesses, this needs to be addressed and changed.
The petition titled “Help Us Fight An Unjust Law” on Change.org addresses a legal loophole in Texas related to the notarization of Gift Warranty Deeds1. The petitioners share a personal story where their stepdad’s property was stolen by a family member who forged the signature of an 83-year-old woman, Maria Jasso, on her deathbed. This incident highlights the absence of a requirement for witnesses during the notarization process in Texas, which the petitioners argue can affect anyone due to the lack of oversight.
The petition aims to urge lawmakers in Texas to mandate the presence of two witnesses for the notarization of Gift Warranty Deeds to prevent such fraudulent activities and protect families from similar tragedies. The petitioners are calling for public support to sign the petition and help bring about this change in the law1.
This is a call to action addressing a legal loophole in Texas law regarding the notarization of Gift Warranty Deeds. It highlights a case where a property was fraudulently transferred due to the lack of a requirement for witnesses during the notarization process. The text proposes a change in the law to mandate two witnesses for the notarization of Gift Warranty Deeds, aiming to provide better protection against fraud and property theft.
Here’s a summary of the key points:
- Issue: A family member fraudulently transferred property by forging the signature of an elderly woman, exploiting a loophole in Texas law.
- Current Law: Texas does not require witnesses for notarizing Gift Warranty Deeds1.
- Proposed Change: The petition suggests that Texas law should be amended to require two witnesses for the notarization of Gift Warranty Deeds.
- Goal: The change aims to prevent fraud and protect property owners.
- Call to Action: The text urges people to sign a petition to prompt lawmakers to make this legal change.
- Progress: The petition has 1,240 signatures, with a next goal of 1,500.
It’s important to note that while some states do require witnesses for notarization to prevent fraud, Texas currently does not have such a requirement23. The National Notary Association notes that many states require two credible witnesses during notarization for this reason2. The absence of this safeguard in Texas law has led to an increase in fraudulent activities similar to the case described in the text. The petition aims to close this loophole and protect individuals from similar injustices.