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Notary Publics are NOT Lawyers
by: Legal Aid Services of Oregon

Notary Publics are NOT Lawyers

 

A notary public in the United States is NOT the same as a Notary Public in Mexico.  In the United States, unlike Mexico, almost anyone can be a notary public.  A notary public is not trained in the law or a graduate of a law school, and is not a lawyer. 

In the United States, notary public cannot give legal advice and cannot prepare legal papers.  A notary is only an Aofficial witness@ when you sign your name to papers or when papers are being copied for official use. 

In Oregon, a notary public who works in the Spanish language must tell you when s/he is NOT a lawyer.  A specific law requires that a notary=s advertisements and signs in the office say AI am not licensed to practice law in the State of Oregon and I am not permitted to give legal advice on immigration or other legal matters or to accept fees for legal advice.@  If you know a person is only a notary do not ask him/her for legal advice or rely on legal advice s/he gives you. Talk to a lawyer.

In Oregon, a notary public can charge only $5.00 for witnessing your signature and only $5.00 for certifying a copy of a document.  When you need legal advice or help in preparing legal papers, such as immigration papers, please see a lawyer. 

 

 

 

 

 
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Last Reviewed On: 11/19/02
 
 

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