What Can a Notary Explain? Understanding the Notary's Role
What Can a Notary Explain?
When you're sitting across the table from a notary with an important document in front of you, it's natural to have questions.
But there is an important distinction between explaining the notarization process and explaining the legal document itself. Understanding that difference can help you know who to ask when questions come up during your appointment.
What Your Notary Can Explain
Your notary can explain the notarial process.
That may include explaining:
What type of notarial act is being performed
What the notary needs to complete the notarization
What happens during the notarization
What identification is required
Where the notary will complete the notarial certificate
What the signer can expect during the appointment
The goal is to make sure you understand the notarization process.
What Your Notary Cannot Explain
A notary cannot provide legal advice or tell you what legal decision to make.
For example, if you're looking at a document and ask:
“What does this section mean?”
or
“Which option should I choose?”
or
“What should I put here?”
Those questions may need to be answered by the person who prepared the document, an attorney, or the organization receiving it. Your notary should not interpret the legal meaning of your document for you.
What About Completing the Document?
This is another reason not to assume that every blank should be completed before your appointment.
Document-specific instructions can vary.
Some documents may require certain information to be completed by the signer before the notarization, while other documents may direct the signer to complete portions in the presence of the notary. If you're unsure what you're supposed to complete, follow the instructions provided with the document or contact the document preparer.
That's much better than guessing.
Your Notary Is There to Help With the Notarization
Notaries play an important role in the signing process.
My job is to make sure the notarial portion of the appointment is handled properly and professionally. That includes following the requirements for the notarial act, properly identifying the signer, completing the notarial certificate, and maintaining the integrity of the notarization.
But I don't step into the role of your attorney or document preparer.
When You're Not Sure, Ask
If you have a question about what your document means or what you should put in it, ask the person who prepared the document. If you have a question about the notarization itself, that's something your notary can help explain.
Knowing the difference can make your appointment much easier.
Magnolia Signature Services
Notary & Apostille Wedding Officiant
Professional mobile notary services throughout Panama City and surrounding Bay County communities. We come to you.
Notary services only. Magnolia Signature Services does not provide legal advice.
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