Legal Definitions - notarial

Notarial

The term notarial refers to anything related to the official duties, actions, or services performed by a notary public.

A notary public is a state-licensed individual authorized to act as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and certify the authenticity of signatures and documents. Their role is to deter fraud and ensure that documents are properly executed.

Here are some examples:

• Real Estate Deed Signing: When someone sells a property, they must sign a deed to transfer ownership to the buyer. This signature often needs to be witnessed and verified by a notary public. The notary confirms the seller's identity and ensures they are signing willingly. The notary's official stamp and signature on the deed are considered notarial acts, lending official validity to the document.

• Affidavit for Legal Proceedings: If an individual needs to provide a sworn statement (an affidavit) to a court, they must typically sign it in the presence of a notary public. The notary administers an oath, requiring the individual to affirm the truthfulness of their statement, and then applies their official seal and signature. This entire process, including the oath and the official certification, falls under the umbrella of notarial services.

• Power of Attorney for International Use: A person planning to travel abroad might create a power of attorney, granting someone else the authority to manage their financial or legal affairs in their absence. For this document to be recognized and accepted in another country, it often requires a notarial certification, where a notary public authenticates the signature and confirms the document's proper execution according to local laws.