What is the purpose of including the phrase 'hand and official seal' in the Beehive Homes receipt?
Beehive_Homes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| WITNESS my | | hand and official seal. | NOTARY PUBLIC | | | STATE OF) | | | ) ss. | | | COUNTY OF) | | | On, 2025, personally personally known to me (or proved to me on whose name is subscribed to same in his authorized capacity, and that by upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument. | appeared before me (Franchisee), the basis of satisfactory evidence) to be the person the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the his signature on the instrument the person, or the entity | | | WITNESS my | | hand and official seal. | NOTARY PUBLIC | |
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 34–123)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Beehive Homes' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the phrase "hand and official seal" appears in the context of a notary public's acknowledgment on a receipt. This acknowledgment is a formal declaration made before a notary public, who is authorized by the state to administer oaths and certify documents. The notary's signature and seal serve as verification that the person signing the document (in this case, the franchisee) has indeed appeared before them and confirmed their identity and that they executed the document willingly.
For a prospective Beehive Homes franchisee, this means that when signing certain documents, such as the receipt for the Franchise Disclosure Document, their signature must be notarized. The notary public's "hand and official seal" provides assurance that the signature is genuine and legally binding. This process helps to prevent fraud and ensures the integrity of the document. The franchisee will need to locate a notary public, present valid identification, and sign the document in the notary's presence.
The inclusion of a notary acknowledgment is a common practice in franchising and other legal agreements. It adds an extra layer of security and verification to the signing process. The franchisee is responsible for any fees associated with obtaining the notary public's services. This requirement underscores the importance of carefully reviewing all documents related to the Beehive Homes franchise agreement and understanding the legal implications of signing them.