A notary is a public official who witnesses the signing of documents and verifies their authenticity. Notaries are appointed by state governments, and they must adhere to a strict set of standards and regulations when carrying out their job duties. Below, learn more about what a notary does and why you might need to hire one.

Responsibilities of a Notary 

There is more to a notary's job than just being an official witness to paperwork signings and affixing a seal of authentication. They undertake a range of responsibilities dealing with document verification, fraud prevention, and oath-taking. Notaries can administer oaths in which an individual swears not to provide false information, thereby confirming that their signature and testimony are their own. Notaries can take depositions, affidavits, and statutory declarations. These oaths are legally binding, and a person can be held liable for breaking them. Notaries must keep records of all the work they perform. This is usually done with a logbook that, because of the public service aspect of the notary's work, is a matter of public record.

Reasons to Hire This Professional 

Having a notarized seal on a document ensures that the person who signed the paperwork understands and agrees to its terms and has signed of their own free will. It will also determine if they are truthful in their actions. Legally speaking, having a document notarized is the same thing as swearing to an oath in court. You might need documents notarized for marriages, divorces, real estate transactions, or court cases. If you have to give a deposition in a legal case, most courts will accept written testimony conducted by a notary. Notarization can also help underscore the legality and authenticity of business contracts, loan agreements, and other documents that delineate the terms of a specific relationship.

When you need a notary in the Ville Platte, LA, area, contact Guillory's Title & Notary Service. Since 2000, they have been offering notary services for a wide variety of legal documents, including motor vehicle forms, auto titles, and powers of attorney. They also provide onsite renewal services for driver's licenses, identification cards, and handicap placards. Call (337) 506-3957 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.