What is NOT a requirement for a legally binding contract?

A legally binding contract is established through several key elements, and notarization is not one of them. For a contract to be valid, there must be an offer and acceptance between the parties involved, indicating mutual agreement. Additionally, consideration—something of value exchanged between the parties—is essential for the contract to be enforceable. The parties must also have the capacity to contract, which means they have the legal ability to enter into an agreement.

Notarization, while it can add an extra layer of authenticity to a document by having a notary public witness the signing of the contract, is not a required element for a contract to be considered legally binding. Contracts can be valid without being notarized, as long as the necessary elements of offer, acceptance, consideration, and capacity are present. Thus, the absence of notarization does not invalidate the contract.