Understanding Power of Attorney Documents

What is a Satisfaction of Judgement?

An Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment is used to notify the court and other interested parties that a judgment has been paid or otherwise satisfied.

California Judicial Council Form EJ-100, Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment, can be used to acknowledge a full satisfaction, partial satisfaction, or matured installment of a judgment. The form can also contain information about recorded abstracts of judgment and judgment liens. Self-Help Center

The official EJ-100 form states that a separate notary acknowledgment must be attached for each signature requiring notarization

Does an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment Need to Be Notarized?

For Form EJ-100, California Courts instructs the judgment creditor to complete the form but not sign it until appearing before a notary. The creditor signs the acknowledgment in the notary's presence, and the notary completes the required notarial certificate after verifying the signer's identity. Self-Help Center

Not every satisfaction-of-judgment situation uses the same form.

For certain fully satisfied small claims judgments, California Form SC-290 may be used when an Abstract of Judgment has not been recorded. If an Abstract of Judgment has been recorded—or only part of the judgment has been satisfied—California Courts directs parties to Form EJ-100 instead. California Courts

Because choosing and completing the appropriate court form can involve legal considerations, 415 Notary cannot determine which form a signer should use or provide legal advice regarding a judgment.

Mobile Notary for Form EJ-100

If Form EJ-100 has already been prepared and the signature needs to be notarized, 415 Notary can travel directly to the signer.

Mobile appointments are especially convenient for:

• Judgment creditors

• Assignees of record

• Attorneys coordinating satisfaction documents

• Businesses and professional offices

• Individuals releasing recorded judgment liens

• Clients who need a document notarized before filing or recording

For EJ-100, each signature requiring notarization may require its own notarial acknowledgment certificate.

What to Bring to the Notary Appointment

To help the appointment proceed smoothly, the signer should have the completed document ready for notarization and bring acceptable identification that meets California notarial requirements.

The document should generally remain unsigned until the notary appointment when the signature is being acknowledged before the notary.

If an attorney, court, recorder, or other professional provided specific signing or filing instructions, those instructions should also be available at the appointment.

415 Notary verifies identity and performs the requested notarization but does not prepare court forms, determine whether a judgment has been legally satisfied, calculate amounts owed, or advise how a document should be completed.

What Happens After the Document Is Notarized?

The notarization itself does not automatically file or record the satisfaction.

Depending on the circumstances, the completed document may need to be filed with the court, recorded with a county recorder, or submitted elsewhere.

California Courts notes that when an EJ-100 reflects full satisfaction of a judgment and an Abstract of Judgment was recorded, the acknowledgment may need to be recorded in each county where the abstract was recorded in order to release the judgment lien. A judgment lien on personal property may also require filing with the California Secretary of State. California Courts

Questions about where or how the document should be filed should be directed to the appropriate court, recorder's office, attorney, or other qualified legal professional.

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Important Requirements Before a Satisfaction of Judgement Can Be Notarized

California law requires that every signer:

• Be personally present.

• Present satisfactory identification.

• Be signing voluntarily.

• Be able to communicate directly with the notary.

• Appear to understand the document they are signing.

If these requirements are not met, the notarization cannot proceed.

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Convenient Mobile Appointments Throughout the North Bay

415 Notary provides mobile notary appointments throughout Petaluma, Penngrove, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sonoma County, Marin County, Napa County, and surrounding communities.

Appointments are available at:

• Private residences

• Law offices

• Businesses

• Title and escrow offices

• Hospitals and senior communities

• Hotels

• Appropriate public meeting locations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can 415 Notary provide the EJ-100 form?

The official EJ-100 Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment is available through the California Courts website. Clients should determine which court form is appropriate before the notary appointment. Self-Help Center

Can the notary fill out the judgment information?

A California notary's role is limited to performing the notarization. 415 Notary cannot provide legal advice or determine how court forms should be completed.

Should Form EJ-100 be signed before the appointment?

California Courts instructs parties who need an EJ-100 notarized to complete the form but not sign it until appearing before the notary. Self-Help Center

Can multiple signatures be notarized?

Yes. If multiple people must sign, appointments can be coordinated for multiple signers. The EJ-100 form states that a separate notary acknowledgment must be attached for each signature. California Courts

Is same-day service available?

Same-day and short-notice mobile appointments may be available depending on location and scheduling.

Schedule an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment Notarization

Need a signature notarized on California Form EJ-100 or another satisfaction-of-judgment document?

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415 Notary provides professional, convenient mobile service throughout Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and the surrounding North Bay.

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Call or text 415-484-2461 to schedule an appointment.