Notaries Public are an important part of the legal system, providing essential services such as certifying signatures on legal documents. However, there are many misunderstandings about Notaries Public that can lead to confusion or even legal issues. In this blog, we will discuss five of the most common misunderstandings about Notaries Public and provide clarification for each one.
Misunderstanding 1: Notaries Public are lawyers.
Clarification: While some notaries may also be lawyers, being a Notary Public does not require a legal degree. Notaries Public are authorized by the government to perform certain legal services, such as certifying signatures on legal documents.
Misunderstanding 2: Notaries Public can give legal advice.
Clarification: Notaries Public are not allowed to give legal advice unless they are also licensed attorneys. They are only authorized to perform specific legal functions such as witnessing signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, and verifying identities.
Misunderstanding 3: Notaries Public can notarize any document.
Clarification: Notaries Public can only notarize certain types of documents, and each state may have specific requirements for what they can notarize. For example, some states may not allow notaries to notarize wills, birth certificates, or marriage certificates.
Misunderstanding 4: Notaries Public are responsible for the contents of the documents they notarize.
Clarification: Notaries Public are not responsible for the contents of the documents they notarize. They only verify the identity of the person(s) signing the document and ensure that they are signing voluntarily.
Misunderstanding 5: Notaries Public are always available for walk-in services.
Clarification: Not all notaries public offer walk-in services, and many require appointments. It is always a good idea to call ahead to ensure availability and confirm the services offered. Additionally, some notaries may charge extra fees for travel or off-hours services.
In conclusion, understanding the role and limitations of Notaries Public can help you navigate the legal system with confidence. By knowing what to expect from Notary Public services, you can ensure that your legal documents are properly certified and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
