Guardians of Authenticity and Legal Wizards
In a world where legal documents and transactions play an indispensable role, notaries act as guardians of authenticity and reliability. Their presence adds a layer of security and credibility to agreements, ensuring that those who’s signatures are being notarized, belong to the person who is supposed to be signing, and that they are signing willingly. However, it's important to understand that while notaries hold a significant position in the legal landscape, they are not licensed to provide legal advice.
A notary public, in its essence, is a neutral witness appointed by the state to deter fraud and verify the identities of individuals involved in a variety of legal transactions. This includes witnessing the signing of documents like wills, contracts, affidavits, and more. Their primary role is to ensure that the parties involved are aware of the content of the documents they are signing and are doing so willingly and without duress.
Now, let's talk about lawyers. These are the folks you call when things start to get legally messy – like when your neighbor's tree decides to take a nosedive into your living room. Lawyers are trained legal professionals who have studied law for years and passed the bar exam (no, not the cocktail kind). Unlike notaries, lawyers don't just stamp documents and call it a day. They're your legal guardians, helping you navigate the intricate maze of laws and regulations. Need advice on whether to sue your neighbor over that tree? Yep, that's where lawyers come in. They're the experts who can provide you with tailored legal guidance and represent you in court if things escalate to that point.
Us notaries may have a general understanding of some legal things, I mean we read those documents over and over, but, if we give legal advice, we’re in deep trouble. Not only would we be practicing law without a license (yes, that’s illegal), but if our clients take the advice, and its wrong (it probably is), then they will ultimately pay the price. Let’s talk about Will’s for a moment. If we told a client to not get a lawyer and to just use a template for the Will (that’s still considered legal advice), and they do it, now they’ve passed away, and it’s time for that Will to go to the courts. Guess what, it’s not legal. Now the family has to go through probate, which takes a while. That piece of advice could cost the family literally everything. It’s just not worth it.
Now, here comes the twist: I can't dish out any legal advice. Nope, not a smidgen. I might be good at spinning words, but I can't replace the experience and knowledge of a real, live lawyer. Laws can be as complex as a Rubik's Cube in a tornado, and getting the wrong advice can lead you down a rabbit hole of trouble. So, while I can help clarify the differences between notaries and lawyers, I'm steering clear of the "what should you do in this situation" territory. When life throws you legal curveballs, it's best to consult a legal pro who can guide you based on your specific circumstances.
Think of a notary as your friendly document superhero, swooping in to make sure your signatures are legit. Lawyers, on the other hand, are the legal wizards who can help you navigate the labyrinth of laws and provide tailored advice. Just remember, while I can dish out explanations, I'm not your go-to for legal advice. When in doubt, seek out a professional who can steer you in the right legal direction.
Stay curious, stay legal-savvy, and keep those signatures authentic!
I decided to start blogging to provide access to educational information to new and seasoned Notaries Public and Wedding Officiants and their clientele to improve service to each population.
