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Notarial Acts/Documentation

For a proof of execution by a subscribing witness, California law requires an unbroken chain of personal knowledge. Which accurately describes that chain?

A

The notary personally knows the subscribing witness, who personally knows the principal.

B

The notary personally knows the credible witness, the credible witness personally knows the subscribing witness, and the subscribing witness personally knows the principal.

C

Two credible witnesses who each personally know the principal must appear before the notary.

D

The notary personally knows the principal, and the principal personally knows the subscribing witness.

Correct Answer

B. The notary personally knows the credible witness, the credible witness personally knows the subscribing witness, and the subscribing witness personally knows the principal.

AI Explanation

Chain of personal knowledge for subscribing witness proof. Civil Code section 1196 establishes the required chain: (1) the notary public must personally know the credible witness; (2) the credible witness must personally know the subscribing witness; and (3) the subscribing witness must personally know the principal (the party who signed the document but cannot appear). This unbroken chain is required — there is no shortcut where the notary directly knows the subscribing witness or principal.

Notarial Acts/Documentation Question #259
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