Notarization is the process of validating the authenticity of a document with the signature, stamp, or seal of a notary public—a public officer legally authorized to perform such services. In some countries, notarization may also involve certifying that a copy of an original document is accurate. Documents that need to be notarized include legal documents such as contracts and deeds, documents related to estate planning such as wills and trusts, financial statements, affidavits, and power of attorney forms. When documents are notarized, they become valid proof in court proceedings and other legal matters. Notarizing a document helps protect against fraud by creating a physical paper trail that can trace back to the original source of the document.