Duties & PowersQuestion 25 of 100

May a California notary advise a signer on which type of notarial certificate to attach or on the legal effect of a document?

a.Yes, that is part of the job
b.Yes, if the notary is careful
c.No—unless the notary is a licensed attorney, doing so is unauthorized practice of law
d.Only for real property documents

Explanation

A non-attorney notary who selects the certificate or explains the legal effect of a document engages in the unauthorized practice of law. The notary must ask the signer what type of act is needed and may not counsel the signer on legal matters.

Law Reference: CA Government Code §8214.1

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