How may changes to a notarized document affect its validity?

When a document is notarized, the notary verifies the identities of the signers and the authenticity of the signatures at that moment in time. If any changes or alterations are made to the document after it has been notarized, it can lead to questions about the integrity of the document and the validity of the notarization. Alterations may raise suspicions that the content was modified in a way that misrepresents the signers' intentions or agreements.

The fundamental purpose of notarization is to provide a level of assurance and credibility regarding the document as it was originally presented and signed. Once a modification occurs, the original notarization no longer applies to the altered content, which can render the document invalid in terms of its legal effect or in courts of law.

Hence, the assertion that alterations after notarization may invalidate the document is correct, as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining the original state of a document to preserve the notarization's validity.