Besides being signed, what must a document fulfill to be valid for recording in Virginia?

For a document to be valid for recording in Virginia, it must be acknowledged before a notary public. This acknowledgment serves as a formal declaration by the signer that they have voluntarily signed the document and that they understand its content. The notary public acts as an impartial witness to ensure that the individual signing the document is indeed who they claim to be and that they are signing willingly.

This requirement is essential because it adds a layer of authenticity to the document and protects the integrity of the public records. Without a proper acknowledgment, there is a risk of disputes regarding the intent and signing of the document, which could lead to legal complications.

In addition, while having legal counsel review documents is often advisable for clarity and compliance, it is not a mandatory step for a document's validity in the context of recording. The presence of a witness is not universally required for all documents, and filing timeframes, though important, do not pertain to the validity of the document itself upon recording. Thus, acknowledgment by a notary is the key factor here.