What is the purpose of the notary public's signature and commission expiration date on the Checkers Franchise Agreement?
Checkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| PERCENTAGE OF OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN FRANCHISEE | GUARANTOR(S) |
|---|---|
| (Signature) (Print Name) (Signature) (Print Name) (Signature) (Print Name) (Signature) (Print Name) (Signature) (Print Name) | |
| DATE: | |
| Subscribed and sworn to before me this | , day of, |
| Notary Public | |
| My Commission expires: |
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 91–92)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Checkers Franchise Disclosure Document, the inclusion of a notary public's signature and commission expiration date on the franchise agreement serves to authenticate the signatures of the guarantor(s). This process involves the guarantor(s) signing and swearing to the document in the presence of a notary public, who then verifies their identity and witnesses the signing. The notary's signature and commission expiration date confirm that the person who notarized the document was indeed a licensed notary public at the time of notarization.
For a prospective Checkers franchisee, this means that if the franchise agreement requires a guarantor, such as in cases where the franchisee is a business entity or does not meet certain financial requirements, the guarantor's signature must be notarized. This step adds a layer of legal validity to the agreement, ensuring that the guarantor's commitment is formally recognized and less susceptible to future disputes regarding the authenticity of their signature. The commission expiration date is important because a notary public is only authorized to act as a notary while their commission is valid.
This requirement is a standard practice in legal and business agreements, as it provides assurance to all parties involved that the signatures are genuine and that the agreement is legally binding. The presence of a notary public helps to prevent fraud and ensures that all parties are entering into the agreement knowingly and willingly. Franchisees should ensure that all required signatures, including those of any guarantors, are properly notarized to avoid potential legal complications in the future.