The Many Duties Of A Notary Public In Concord CA

By Kimberly Powell


Life in this day and age is characterized by complex rules, numerous laws and many checks and balances. Contracts are no longer based upon a promise and a handshake. Everything has to be in writing and most contracts and agreements are complex documents that contain numerous terms and conditions. The idea is to leave no room for disputes or misunderstandings. Then it has to be witnessed and very often also notarised. In this regard a notary public in Concord CA plays an important role.

Notaries can be traced back to the time of ancient Rome. Scribes, who used to simply copy texts, slowly took on other roles. They were required to record meetings, speeches and negotiations. They acted as witnesses to events and they kept official records of court proceedings. Nowadays notaries also perform all these functions. They are appointed by the government or by high court judges.

Notaries routinely certify copies as true copies of the original document. People need these certified copies when they cannot surrender the original document. Another routine tasks performed by notaries is to administer oaths. Oaths are solemn promises that the truth and nothing but the truth will be spoken. Witnesses in court cases are required to take an oath and if they are then found to be lying, they can face charges.

Taking down depositions and affidavits is another important task performed by notaries. With affidavits, a statement is made but a deposition is more like an interview with questions and answers. These are often used by attorneys to help them understand exactly what potential witnesses in court saw, experienced, done or heard. These can be lengthy and time consuming and that is why some notaries are also qualified stenographers.

It has become customary to ask notaries to act as official witnesses during important discussions and negotiations. In these cases notaries record the discussions and the decisions made, the resolutions accepted and the terms and conditions to which the parties agree. They will then notarize the final documents and this will serve as proof that the document is a true reflection of what took place during the negotiations or discussions.

Certain events, such as world record attempts, will only be officially recognized if the proceedings are notarized. The task of notaries in these instances is to make sure that all the rules are followed to the letter. They will also record the outcome of the event or attempt. Sometimes the courts also ask notaries to act as witness that court orders were carried out exactly as instructed.

The compulsory records kept by all notaries are detailed and they serve a very important function. If any dispute arises, the records of the notary will confirm, without a shadow of doubt, that an affidavit has been made, a deposition taken down, and oath sworn or that a specific event has indeed taken place. In most cases the official records of notaries serve to clear up misunderstandings and their very existence often prevent disputes.

Only those considered being one hundred per cent honest and above reproach, those with no criminal histories, those that are considered to be individuals of high integrity are considered for appointment as notaries. They play an important role in society and serving in that capacity is seen as an honour. Notaries help to keep the wheels of justice turning.




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