Do you need something notarized?
Are you looking for someone to notarize a contract, agreement, or other legal document?
Documents can be notarized by either a lawyer or a notary public. A notary public is an individual who has trained to serve as an official witness to the execution (signing) of contracts, agreements, and other legal documents. Among other things, a lawyer has the power to act as a notary public.
Why use a lawyer instead of a notary public?
While notarizing documents, sometimes complications arise. In this case, a notary may need to send you to a lawyer for legal advice. If you use a lawyer to notarize, he or she can help you on the spot to resolve any issues that come up. While notaries are only entitled to give legal advice in the areas of law that they are entitled to practice (which is fairly limited), lawyers have training and expertise in a wide range of areas.
Lawyers have more educational and hands-on training. After receiving a four-year university degree, law students study law full-time for three years. After law school, lawyers complete 10 weeks of intensive training and pass a series of bar admission exams. Then law students must also apprentice for 10 months with an established lawyer before they can work on their own. Notary publics in BC complete a university degree, an 18-month Legal Studies program and six weeks of practical training.
The main thing to remember is that with legal documents, things that look simple may actually be complex. Lawyers are more equipped than notaries to analyze how the law applies to your case. You can face substantial risks and disadvantages if you use the legal system without fully understanding the law and its effects. Whatever issues arise with your case, a lawyer can help you handle them.
Do your due diligence.
Real estate transactions and wills have to be treated with extreme caution and done very carefully. Your will is likely the most important legal document you ever make. Buying, selling and mortgaging your home are often the most important financial contracts you ever sign.
Laws change daily and so do their effects. Lawyers are more qualified than anyone else to find and fix legal problems and to advise you on them, and to represent your best interests. Lawyers give complete legal advice—something notaries can’t give.
Is it more expensive to use a lawyer?
No. Competition helps keep legal fees reasonable. Lawyers’ fees can be competitive with notaries’ fees for similar procedures. At Silver Law, our prices often match those of notaries.
At Silver Law, we would be glad to assist you with notarizing or any other legal services you may have. Contact Us.