Not all attorneys are notaries, and not all notaries are attorneys. Attorneys and notaries are separate professions with distinct roles and responsibilities. At Bononi & Company we have several notaries, as well attorneys that are also notaries.
An attorney is a legal professional who is licensed to provide legal advice and represent clients in legal matters. Their main role is to advocate for their clients and navigate the legal system on their behalf.
On the other hand, a notary public is an individual who is authorized by the government to serve as an impartial witness in the signing of important documents. Notaries verify the identity of the signatories, ensure their willingness to sign, and administer oaths or affirmations when necessary. Their primary function is to deter fraud and maintain the integrity of legal documents.
While some attorneys may also be notaries, it is not a universal requirement for attorneys to hold notary public commissions. Whether or not an attorney can notarize your documents depends on their qualifications and whether they are authorized as a notary public in your jurisdiction. If an attorney is not a notary, they may refer you to a separate notary public to have your documents notarized.
If you have any questions about the topic discussed in this article, or any estate planning matter, please give us a call at Bononi & Company 724-832-2499.