Notary

A notary, also known as a notary public, is a person authorized by a state government to perform acts in legal affairs, most commonly to witness signatures on important documents. Their primary function is to deter fraud by verifying the identity of the signer and confirming that the signature is authentic and willingly given. Notaries can administer oaths, take acknowledgments, and perform other official duties related to legal processes, such as certifying copies of documents. These functions play a crucial role in various transactions, including real estate, financial agreements, and estate planning. They provide a level of trustworthiness and legal validity.

Notary meaning with examples

• Before finalizing the purchase agreement, John needed to visit a notary public to have his signature on the contract witnessed and officially acknowledged. The notary verified his identification, ensuring that the signature was genuine. This step was essential to complete the property transfer legally.
• Sarah required a certified copy of her passport for an international application. She went to a notary who confirmed the copy's authenticity by comparing it with the original document and affixing an official seal. This certification assured the recipient of the copy's reliability.
• The business partners had a notary present to administer an oath during their deposition, where they would be required to attest to the truth of their statements before signing the official document. This ensured the solemnity of the process and held them accountable to the truth.
• For the will to be considered legally sound, the testator and the witnesses signed the document in front of a notary. The notary's attestation and seal served as evidence of the proper execution, providing a crucial layer of protection against potential disputes.