Notary publics are public officers designated by the state who verify the identity of individuals signing documents and witness signatures on important documents. Notary public service also administers oaths and affirmations, certifies acknowledgments, acts as impartial witnesses in certain cases, and authenticates certain documents.
This blog discusses everything necessary you need to learn about notary public services.
What Does a Notary Do?
A notary is responsible for verifying the signer's identity by asking for personal identification such as a driver's license or passport. The notary must then watch the signer sign their name on the document.
The notary will also ask questions related to the paper that the signers must answer to ensure they fully understand what they are signing. Once the document is signed, it must be stamped with an official seal provided by the state and considered valid.
When Should You Use a Notary Service?
Notaries can be used for any legal document requiring an official signature from both parties involved. This includes contracts, wills, deeds, affidavits, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, power of attorney documents, and more.
Note that a notary public service does not provide legal advice; rather, they verify that all parties involved understand what they are signing and authenticate their signatures on legally binding documents.
What Is Acknowledgement?
An acknowledgment is when a document signer swears under oath before a notary that they have read and understood a document before signing it.
Acknowledgements are typically used when two parties have agreed to terms contained within a contract but may also be used in other instances, such as sworn statements or affidavits.
In addition to swearing under oath that they read and understood what was contained in a document before signing it, a declaration also requires the signer's signature before the notary public can apply for an official notarization stamp.
Common Misconceptions about Notary Publics
Misconception #1 – You Need to Have a Law Degree to be a Notary
A common misconception about notaries is that you must have an extensive legal background to become one.
Anyone can become a notary as long as they meet certain state requirements. Most states require that you be over 18 years old, have no felony convictions, and pass a criminal background check.
Additionally, you may need to take an exam or complete an application before becoming certified as a public notary.
Misconception #2 – Notaries Can Give Legal Advice
Another misconception about notary public service is that they can give legal advice or represent someone in court. This is not true; while they can legally witness documents or verify signatures, they cannot provide legal advice or representation. If you need help with any legal issue, it's best to contact an attorney who specializes in your area of law.
Misconception #3 – A Notarization Makes a Document Legally Binding
While having your document notarized does add an extra layer of trustworthiness and authenticity, it does not make it legally binding.
Both parties must sign a document before it can be legally binding; signing it by a notary adds another layer of protection against fraud or forgery.
That being said, if there are discrepancies between the agreed parties, the document may still be invalidated in court even if a notary public witnessed it.
As you can see, understanding what a notary public service does is essential if you want your important legal documentation authenticated and witnessed with accuracy. When you use a qualified professional, you can rest assured that your paperwork will be handled correctly every time, saving you time and money in the long run!
Furthermore, our fees for these services are competitively priced, so you don't have to worry about breaking your budget either!
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