Episode 30: The Importance of Notaries Public

In this podcast episode, Tony interviews Margot De Groot about the role and importance of notaries public. Margot explains what a notary public is, the differences between notaries and justices of the peace, and common misconceptions surrounding notarial services. She emphasises the trust and fiduciary role of notaries in verifying documents for international use, particularly in estate matters and legal documentation. The conversation also addresses common questions people have about notaries and provides key takeaways for listeners.takeawaysA notary public is a solicitor with a minimum of 10 years of practice.Notaries verify documents for international use, ensuring trust.Common reasons for needing a notary include estate matters and academic records.Notaries differ from justices of the peace in their legal authority.Notaries can perform a variety of roles, including international shipping documentation.Personal attendance is required for notarization to verify identity.Notaries hold a historical role dating back to the 12th century.Public awareness of notaries is limited compared to justices of the peace.Each state has a society of notaries with comprehensive resources.Understanding the distinction between notaries and JPs is crucial.