🖋️ Why Notaries Can’t Give Legal Advice — and Why That’s a Good Thing
When I have a scheduled signing, clients are often in the middle of a critical moment — signing loan papers, verifying a power of attorney, or finalizing an affidavit. It’s natural to have questions about what type of notarization you need or how to complete your document.
But here’s one of the most important things to understand about our role:
Notaries are not allowed to give legal advice*
⚖️ The Law* Protects Both You and the Notary
In California, notaries are public officials appointed by the Secretary of State to verify identity, administer oaths, and serve as impartial witnesses. We ensure that you understand what you’re signing — not whether you should sign it or how the document should be worded.
Explaining or preparing legal documents would be considered the unauthorized practice of law, which notaries are prohibited from doing. This protects everyone involved by ensuring that only qualified legal professionals — such as attorneys — provide legal guidance.
✍️ What a Notary Can Do for You
At Gutierrez Legal Signings, we take pride in serving our clients with professionalism, integrity, and care. While we can’t offer legal advice, we can ensure your notarization is handled correctly and securely.
Here’s how we can help:
Verify your identity and witness your signature
Ensure your document is complete before notarizing
Administer oaths or affirmations
Apply our official notarial seal as required by law
💬 Unsure What Type of Notarization You Need?
If your document doesn’t specify whether it requires an acknowledgment or a jurat, you’ll need to check with the document issuer, the requesting agency, or your attorney before your appointment. This ensures compliance and avoids delays.
🤝 Our Commitment to You
At Gutierrez Legal Signings, we are dedicated to offering accurate, compliant, and community-centered notary services throughout Santa Clara County. Our goal is simple:
to make the notarization process stress-free while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
📅 Schedule Your Appointment
Let’s make your next signing simple, secure, and professional.
👉 Book Your Appointment or contact us at cruzsilla@gutierrezlegalsignings.com
*California Government Code § 8223 and the California Secretary of State’s Notary Public Handbook.