Notaries and the Practice of Law: Know the Difference

You might have heard that Notaries and the practice of law are separate things – well, it turns out, there’s a lot more to the story. Let me explain.

First off, a Notary Public is not a lawyer. In fact, giving legal advice is a big no-no for Notaries, and for good reason. They can’t act as legal advisors because, without the proper qualifications, it’s like walking a tightrope without a safety net – a serious legal faux pas.

Unless a Notary Public is also a fully licensed attorney, doling out legal advice is off-limits. Sometimes, Notary Publics ARE lawyers but not at notary services in Santa Rosa, California, It is important not to expect them to be your legal counsel, guiding you through the legal maze.

So, what’s the big deal? Well, it’s called the unauthorized practice of law, and it’s a serious deal-breaker. For instance, a loan signing agent in Sonoma County, California can’t guide you on legal matters or tweak the fine print on your documents.

Here’s the scoop: a General Notary can’t advise you on filling out those forms or make changes to what you’ve already written down. They can draft and edit legal documents, but it’s all under the watchful eye of a licensed attorney.

Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to the law. If you’re looking for a mobile notary in Sonoma County, California, remember that each state might have its own set of rules. 

If you’re ever in doubt, play it safe, and ask Diana these questions yourself. Diana’s Mobile Notary is here to help clarify the facts! Feel free to contact her today.