Unveiling the Role of a Notary Public in Indiana: Process, Rules, and Remote Notarization
June 29, 2023
Notary publics play a vital role in ensuring the integrity and authenticity of legal documents and transactions. In Indiana, the responsibilities and duties of a notary public are defined by specific rules and regulations. In this blog post, we will explore what a notary public does in Indiana, the process and rules for becoming a notary, and the recent development of remote notarization, shedding light on this essential profession for mediators and those involved in legal processes.
What Does a Notary Public Do? A notary public is an official appointed by the state to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths or affirmations. Their primary role is to verify the identity of the signatories and ensure that they are willingly entering into the transaction or agreement. Notaries also serve as impartial witnesses, deterring fraud and promoting the authenticity of legal documents.
Process for Becoming a Notary Public in Indiana: To become a notary public in Indiana, individuals must follow a prescribed process. The key steps involved include:
- Eligibility: Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old, a legal resident of Indiana, and able to read and write in English.
- Education: Completion of a state-approved educational course is mandatory for first-time applicants. The course provides an understanding of notary laws, duties, and best practices.
- Application: Applicants must complete the application provided by the Indiana Secretary of State's office. The application requires personal information, background checks, and a filing fee.
- Bond and Oath: Applicants must obtain a surety bond from an approved bonding agency and take an oath of office before an appropriate official, such as a county clerk or notary public.
- Notary Seal and Journal: Once commissioned, notaries are required to obtain a notary seal, which includes their name, commission number, and the words "Notary Public." Notaries must also maintain a chronological journal of all notarial acts performed.
Rules and Regulations for Notaries in Indiana: Notaries in Indiana must adhere to specific rules and regulations, including:
- Proper Identification: Notaries must verify the identity of individuals signing documents by examining valid identification documents, such as a driver's license or passport.
- Impartiality and Neutrality: Notaries must remain impartial and avoid conflicts of interest. They cannot notarize documents in which they have a financial or personal interest.
- Recordkeeping: Notaries are required to maintain a journal with detailed records of all notarial acts, including the date, names of signers, and type of documents notarized.
Remote Notarization in Indiana: Indiana introduced remote notarization to accommodate the digital age and enhance accessibility. Remote notarization allows signatories and notaries to interact through audio-visual technology, removing the need for physical presence. The process follows specific guidelines set forth by the state, ensuring security, identity verification, and compliance with legal requirements.
Notary publics in Indiana play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity and validity of legal documents. Their responsibilities encompass witnessing signatures, administering oaths, and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations. By understanding the process and rules for becoming a notary, individuals can appreciate the professionalism and integrity that notaries bring to legal transactions. Additionally, the advent of remote notarization expands access to notarial services and streamlines the process, offering convenience and efficiency in the modern era.
This post was written by Chelle Hendershot, who is a Notary Public and Mediator in Central Indiana at Hope for Our Future, LLC. This post is not legal advice and is intended for marketing purposes only.
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Parenting time orders are designed to help separated or divorced parents create structure around when and how their child spends time with each parent. But for many families, especially those new to the legal process, these orders can feel confusing or overwhelming. Understanding the basics of your Indiana parenting time order can help reduce conflict, improve communication, and give your child the stability they need. What Is a Parenting Time Order? A parenting time order is a legal document that outlines when a child will be with each parent. It may include weekly schedules, holiday arrangements, transportation responsibilities, and instructions for communication. In Indiana, these orders are often based on the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines (IPTG) , which provide a standard framework for parenting time when parents live apart. Key Components of a Parenting Time Order Every order may look slightly different, but most include the following: Regular Weekly Schedule (e.g., every other weekend, midweek visits) Holiday Schedule (alternating holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) Spring, Summer, and Fall Break Plans Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times/Locations Communication Guidelines (calls, texts, video chats) It’s important to read the entire order carefully. Even small details—like which parent transports the child or how far in advance changes must be requested—can affect how smoothly things go. Follow the Order—Even If It’s Not Perfect You might not agree with every part of your parenting time order, but until it’s legally changed, both parents are expected to follow it. Ignoring or altering the order without agreement from the other parent (or the court) can lead to legal consequences. If the current plan no longer works, speak with your attorney or consider mediation to create a new agreement you can both live with. What If the Other Parent Isn’t Following the Order? It’s frustrating when parenting time doesn’t happen as ordered. Missed visits, late arrivals, or frequent last-minute changes can create tension. Here are some tips: Document each incident calmly and clearly (dates, times, what happened). Avoid arguing in front of the child. Try to resolve the issue directly —but respectfully—with your co-parent. If that doesn’t work, you may need to seek legal advice or consider mediation. Common Misunderstandings About Parenting Time Orders “We made a verbal agreement, so we don’t need to follow the court order.” → Verbal agreements are not legally binding. Always get changes in writing. “I don’t have to let them go if the child doesn’t want to.” → Parenting time is a legal right. If there’s a concern, talk to a professional—not just your child. “They didn’t pay child support, so I’m withholding parenting time.” → Child support and parenting time are separate legal issues. Denying time could backfire in court. Final Thoughts Your parenting time order is more than a schedule—it’s a tool to help your child experience stability, routine, and connection with both parents. Understanding and respecting the order (even when it's inconvenient) sends your child a clear message: their needs come first. At Hope For Our Future, LLC, I support families in navigating parenting time with empathy, communication, and structure. If you’re having trouble following the order or need help working through disagreements, parenting coordination or mediation can help you find a better path forward. This post was written by Chelle Hendershot, who is a dedicated Mediator, Guardian ad Litem, and Parenting Coordinator at Hope For Our Future, LLC, with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate through life's most challenging moments. This post is not intended to be legal advice and is for marketing purposes only. Copyright © 2025 Hope For Our Future, LLC. All rights reserved. This blog post may be shared, copied, and distributed in its entirety for non-commercial purposes, provided that proper attribution is given, and no modifications are made to the original work. Photo Credit: 55621892 Andrea De Martin Dreamstime.com
Texting is often the easiest way for co-parents to communicate. It’s fast, convenient, and keeps a written record. But it can also lead to tension if messages are misread or sent in frustration. When co-parents text with clarity and calm, they can avoid conflict and stay focused on what matters most—their child. Here’s a guide to help make texting more productive and less stressful. ✅ DO: Keep It Focused on the Kids Texting should be limited to topics related to your child—like school schedules, medical updates, or changes in parenting time. Avoid discussing your personal relationship or rehashing old arguments. ✅ Example: “Emma has a fever. I’ve scheduled a doctor’s appointment for 2 PM tomorrow.” ✅ Example: “I’ll drop the soccer uniform off at your house Sunday by 6:00 PM.” ❌ DON’T: Use Texts to Argue or Blame It’s easy to fire off a message when you’re frustrated—but texting isn’t the place to vent. Angry or emotional messages often escalate the conflict and can be used against you later. ❌ Avoid: “You always do this. You don’t care about what’s best for our son.” ❌ Avoid: “Why should I remind you again? You're the one who keeps messing things up.” ✅ DO: Be Clear and Specific The more precise you are, the less likely you’ll be misunderstood. Be sure to include names, dates, times, and details when making or confirming plans. ✅ Example: “Can you pick up Mia from her piano lesson at 4:30 PM at Music Hall on Wednesday?” ✅ Example: “Just confirming I’ll return Alex to your house Sunday at 7 PM after our weekend.” ❌ DON’T: Be Vague or Passive-Aggressive Sarcasm, vague language, and backhanded comments only create tension. If you’re trying to be helpful or cooperative, say exactly what you mean in a respectful way. ❌ Avoid: “Well, I guess I’ll do it AGAIN since you can’t manage.” ❌ Avoid: “Whatever works for you—like usual.” ✅ DO: Take Time Before You Reply Not every message needs an instant response. If you feel frustrated or hurt, give yourself time to cool off. Respond when you can do so calmly and clearly. ✅ Tip: Write a draft, wait 15 minutes, re-read it, and then decide whether to send. ✅ Tip: If you need more time, respond with: “I’ll check on that and get back to you later today.” ❌ DON’T: Use the Child as a Messenger Never send messages through your child or discuss texts with them. Kids should never be put in the middle or made to feel responsible for managing communication between parents. ❌ Avoid: “Tell your mom she needs to be on time this time.” ❌ Avoid: Showing your child angry messages from the other parent. ✅ DO: Keep a Record of Important Messages Save texts that involve agreements about parenting time, expenses, or decisions about your child. Keeping a clean record can help clarify misunderstandings and provide documentation if needed in court or mediation. ✅ Tip: Avoid editing or deleting message threads related to your child’s care. ❌ DON’T: Overshare or Get Personal Your co-parent doesn’t need to know how you feel about their new relationship, parenting style, or weekend plans. Keep the conversation centered on co-parenting—not your emotions or opinions. ❌ Avoid: “It’s interesting that you suddenly have time for him now.” ❌ Avoid: “By the way, I saw you out with someone new—just thought I’d mention it.” Final Thoughts Texting your co-parent doesn't have to be stressful. When messages are respectful, focused, and child-centered, communication becomes more productive—and parenting becomes easier for everyone involved. At Hope For Our Future, LLC, we help co-parents improve their communication and reduce conflict, so they can work toward peaceful, consistent parenting routines that support their children. This post was written by Chelle Hendershot, who is a dedicated Mediator, Guardian ad Litem, and Parenting Coordinator at Hope For Our Future, LLC, with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate through life's most challenging moments. This post is not intended to be legal advice and is for marketing purposes only. Copyright © 2025 Hope For Our Future, LLC. All rights reserved. This blog post may be shared, copied, and distributed in its entirety for non-commercial purposes, provided that proper attribution is given, and no modifications are made to the original work. Photo Credit: 55621892 Andrea De Martin Dreamstime.com