Did you know?
Did you know that in Texas and most other states…….
- A notary public is not a notario or notario publico?
- A notary public is not authorized to practice law?
- A notary public may not give legal advice or prepare legal documents?
- A notary public may not charge a fee for preparation of immigration documents or represent someone in immigration matters?
When I get a call requesting notarization, before I make the appointment, I ask questions about the document. I want to be sure the document has the necessary information. I’ve received many calls for notarization and after asking a few questions determined that there is no notary language. Most of these documents are from other countries, normally Powers of Attorney. The caller insists that it must be notarized and they don’t understand that I can’t tell them what notary language to use.
More and more people are creating their own documents online. If they use one of the online legal services there is at least a proper certificate but some are just copying another will from a relative and don’t have a notary certificate at all. Once again, I have to tell them that I am not an attorney and to answer their question would be practicing law therefore I must decline to answer the question. There is a very thin line between being helpful and practicing law.
“I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN TEXAS AND MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.” This is the motto by which a Notary Public must work. There are attorneys who are also Notaries and they may practice law and give you legal advice.
