...that is... i don't have "my" client's documents notarized or require them to go through that.  you just don't have to the system relies to a large degree on your good faith. if you dispose of property or child related matters and it turns out the spouse did not sign the docs and finds out you have made a disposition of either property/debt/ childsupport/custody, ... the case can be reopened and you could face a quick investigation by the fraud unit of the prosecutors office if the gravity of the property or custody matters damaged is serious enought (..i tacked on the last bit to let those who would abuse the system or my office's services know that don't think forensic document examination, my and your email account subpoened, postal record and address mailing checks, and my frank and open testimony regarding any of such details of representation would be used to do what is called "avoiding" or voiding the fraudulent transfers of property or the custody document and you would lose much more than you usurped...)

but so long as you both are on board the use of the notary is the exception not the rule and the documents and decrees are 100% legal and enforceable w/o such steps