Performing Your Civic Duties

A Guide on the Work of Notary Publics

Have you been a victim of identity theft? These cases are all too common today, but the law provides a frontline defense for you in a notary public. Common law defines a notary public as a person who serves people in noncontentious matters, especially those involving financial transactions, deeds, estates, power-of-attorney, and international business. The notary public validates your signature in documents, administers affirmations and oaths, takes a statutory declaration, takes an affidavit, and acts as a witness in various deals.

Most institutions rely on the notaries to trust some of the essential documents you present to them. Hence, a notary public provides a wide range of essential services. This excerpt highlights a few areas in which a notary public is helpful. 

Court Documents

Court proceedings are sensitive, and any document presented as evidence should have a way of verifying its authenticity. While the modern-day notary publics refrain from performing the complex legal processes, they still act as gatekeepers for the justice system. The court and opposing attorneys hardly question the legitimacy of notarized documents. You should always ensure you notarize the affidavits you present for your lawsuit. Most courts will never accept affidavits that have do not have the notary's authentication. Therefore, your 'notary's blessing' could mean the difference between a court victory and a loss. You should ensure that you notarize all your documents to prevent the opposition or court from questioning the authenticity of your evidence. 

Loans

Have you heard about the importance of separating the 'church' and the 'state?' Money can be a troublesome issue, especially between friends and family members. You need to protect your friends and maintain your financial security after issuing a loan to family members and friends. The loan you provide to your friends can earn interest, but you need a loan agreement to make the process official. A loan agreement does not need to have a 'notary's blessing,' but notarization is essential in preventing legal complications. The notary is the best chance for you to separate financial matters and your relationships.

Witnessing

You need a notary public to consummate most of your formal legal agreements. The notary does not necessarily grill you and the other party attempting to uncover any motivations or evidence of coercion. Instead, the notary conducts due diligence independently and may reveal incidences of corruption, shoddily crafted agreements, or inaccurate testimonies. The notary public only agrees to act as an extra witness to deals they find to be legitimate. Therefore, you should consider your notary public as the epitome of truth and transparency. If necessary, a notary public will even testify in court regarding matters of the agreements. 

Preventing Forgery

A notary public abides by simple rules that make forgery very difficult. When you engage the notary public, they ensure they only notarize documents when the signer is physically present. Physical presence is the golden rule in most notary procedures. The notary public might ask the signer to travel to their office or meet in a public place. This physical meeting ensures that the notary public has a chance to examine the person's identification documents, face, and signature. These points of reference ensure that the notary has enough evidence to authenticate documents or transactions and ensure they are authentic.

A notary public helps notarize court documents, loans, and acts as a witness. Ultimately, your notary public is your best chance of avoiding fraudulent activities that have legal and financial risks. To learn more, contact services like Lomeli Industries LLC. 


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