Have you ever been unsure whether you need a notary public or a lawyer for a legal matter? It can be confusing to know which professional to choose, especially when dealing with important documents or legal issues. Whether you’re signing a contract, making a will, or facing a legal problem, understanding what notaries and lawyers do can help you make the right choice.
In this blog, we’ll explain the differences between notaries and lawyers, what each one does, and guide you on who to turn to for your specific needs. By the end, you’ll know when you need just a notary’s stamp or when you require the help of a lawyer.
What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a person authorized by the state, such as a notary public in Edmonton, to witness the signing of important documents, verify the identity of the signers, and ensure that they are signing voluntarily and with full understanding. Notaries can help with a variety of documents including contracts, wills, affidavits, and powers of attorney.
In practice, a notary will check the ID of the person signing the document, make sure they understand what they are signing, and then affix their seal and signature to the document. However, notaries do not offer legal advice or represent clients in legal matters.
What Does a Lawyer Do?
A lawyer, on the other hand, is a legal professional who provides advice, representation, and assistance with a wide range of legal issues. Lawyers undergo extensive education and training in law, pass rigorous exams, and receive a state license to practice law. They can represent clients in court, draft legal documents, negotiate on behalf of their clients, and offer advice on legal rights and obligations.
Lawyers can handle everything from criminal defense to civil disputes, family law matters, estate planning, and business law. For specific needs, such as those involving property transactions, a real estate lawyer in Edmonton can provide specialized expertise. Their knowledge is crucial in situations that require legal strategy, a detailed understanding of laws and regulations, or representation in legal proceedings.
When to Use a Notary
A notary is typically needed when you have a document that needs to be legally recognized or verified. Common scenarios where you might require a notary include:
- Real Estate Transactions: When you buy or sell property, you often need to have documents such as deeds and mortgages notarized.
- Legal Affidavits: If you need to make a sworn statement for a legal matter, you may need to have it notarized.
- Powers of Attorney: If you’re giving someone the authority to make decisions on your behalf, a notary may need to witness and authenticate the document.
- Wills and Trusts: While not all jurisdictions require it, having a will or trust notarized can help in proving its authenticity.
In these cases, a notary’s role is to ensure the authenticity of the document and the identity of the signer, but they do not provide legal advice or representation.
When to Hire a Lawyer
You should consider hiring a lawyer in situations that involve complex legal matters, disputes, or when you need professional legal advice. Some common scenarios include:
- Legal Disputes: If you’re involved in a lawsuit, whether you’re a plaintiff or defendant, a lawyer will represent you in court and help you navigate the legal process.
- Family Law Issues: For matters such as divorce, child custody, or adoption, a lawyer can offer guidance and representation.
- Business Matters: Starting a business, drafting contracts, or handling business disputes often require legal expertise.
How to Decide: Notary or Lawyer?
Deciding whether you need a notary or a lawyer depends on your specific needs. Here’s a simple guide to help you determine who to contact:
- Use a Notary When: You need to verify signatures, authenticate documents, or witness legal declarations. Notaries are ideal for straightforward tasks involving the proper execution of documents without needing legal advice or representation.
- Hire a Lawyer When: You need legal advice, or representation, or are involved in a complex legal matter. Lawyers are essential for navigating legal disputes, understanding your rights, and handling legal proceedings.
In some cases, you might find that you need both a notary and a lawyer. For instance, if you’re drafting a will, a lawyer helps create the will and provides legal advice, while a notary authenticates the document.
Conclusion
Understanding the roles of notaries and lawyers can help you make informed decisions when dealing with legal matters. Notaries are essential for ensuring the authenticity of documents, while lawyers provide expertise, advice, and representation for more complex legal issues. By knowing whom to consult for different needs, you handle your legal matters correctly and efficiently.
