Notarization Services

  • A notary public is a public official who is appointed by the government to (1) verify a signer’s identity, (2) acknowledge the signer’s signature, and depending on the situation, (3) administer oaths and affirmations. The types of notarial services available to the public vary based on state jurisdiction. Notary public are crucial in furthering legal and business transactions by preventing fraud and ensuring the integrity of legal documents.

  • ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    An acknowledgement is notarial act that consists of 3 components: (1) a notary public verifies the identity of a signer, (2) the signer acknowledges their signature to the notary public; and (3) the notary public completes a Certificate of Acknowledgment for the document and concludes the notarial act by stamping their official seal on said document.

    Acknowledgments are the most commonly requested notarial service. Acknowledgements are used for various legal documents and transactions, such as:

    • Real Estate Transactions: Deeds, mortgages, property agreements

    • Contracts: Any legal agreement between two or more parties

    • Business Documents: Partnership agreements, company formations

    • Financial Documents: Promissory notes, loan agreements, security agreements

    • Estate-Planning Documents: Wills, trusts, beneficiary designations

    • Legal Proceedings: Affidavits, settlements, court filings

    • Powers of Attorneys

    JURATS

    A jurat is a notarial act where: (1) the notary public administers an oath or affirmation to the signer — the signer makes a sworn statement before the notary public, certifying that, to the best of the signer's knowledge and belief, the contents of the document they are about to sign are true and accurate — under penalty of perjury; (2) the signer signs the document before the notary public; and (3) the notary public completes the Jurat Certificate and concludes the notarial act by affixing their official seal on said document.

    Jurats are commonly executed for:

    • Affidavits

    • Sworn statements

    • Depositions

    • Any other legal documents where the signer is required to attest to the truthfulness of the document they are signing.

    CERTIFYING COPIES:
    Under §4307 of the California Probate Code, notary publics are allowed to certify copies of Power of Attorneys.

    • In California, Power of Attorneys are the only document that a notary public can certify.

    This notarial act requires: (1) the notary public (ideally) personally makes a copy of the original Power of Attorney, (2) the notary public thoroughly inspects the copy to confirm that it is a true and accurate reproduction of the original, and (3) the notary public completes a California Copy Certification of Power of Attorney and concludes the notarial act by affixing their official seal on said document.

  • Be cognizant of the fact that it is illegal for a notary public to recommend or suggest the type of notarization form you need. A notary can only provide information about the types notarial acts they can perform for you — it is ultimately your responsibility and decision to determine the type of notarial act you need executed.

    A notary public is NOT an attorney. Always consult with a licensed attorney for legal advice and answers to your questions.

  • Visit our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page for more information about notarization services and how to get started.

    P.S.
    We provide legal document preparation assistance too! Learn more about us and our mission, here.

    When you’re ready, feel free to contact us.