In North Carolina, sign the release exactly as your name appears, in front of a Notary Public, and have the notary complete the acknowledgment with their seal. Do not sign in advance or make unapproved changes. Mail the original, wet-ink, notarized release back to your attorney using a trackable service and keep a copy for your records. Your settlement check typically will not be issued until the insurer receives the original, properly notarized release.
You want to know the correct way—under North Carolina practice—to sign, notarize, and mail a settlement release so your injury claim can be finalized. In North Carolina, you (the claimant) must execute the insurer’s release, have your signature acknowledged by a Notary Public, and return the original to your attorney. Here, the settlement funds will be issued by paper check, so timing and proper execution matter to avoid delays.
Under North Carolina law, a release is a contract that must be signed by the correct person(s) and, if required by the insurer, acknowledged before a Notary Public. A notary’s job is to verify identity and witnessing for an acknowledgment and then complete a notarial certificate with seal. Insurers typically require the original notarized document before issuing the check. The forum is not a court; you appear before a North Carolina Notary Public (often available at banks, shipping centers, or private notary services) to complete the acknowledgment.
Apply the Rule to the Facts: Your settlement will be paid by paper check only after the insurer receives the original release. To avoid delay, sign the release exactly as it appears, in front of a North Carolina Notary Public who will confirm your ID and complete the acknowledgment. Do not alter the form without attorney approval. Mail the original, notarized release back to your attorney using trackable mail and keep a copy.
To finalize a North Carolina settlement, sign the release exactly as named, in front of a Notary Public who completes the acknowledgment, and return the wet-ink original by trackable mail. Do not pre-sign or alter the form without approval. The practical next step is to schedule a notary visit, bring valid photo ID, sign in the notary’s presence, and mail the original to your attorney by the requested date.
If you’re ready to finalize a settlement and want to avoid mistakes that delay your check, our firm can walk you through signing, notarizing, and returning your release the right way. If questions come up about names, multiple signatures, or edits, reach out today so we can keep your disbursement on track.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.