Understanding Notarial Acts

What is an Acknowledgement?
Acknowledgement Explained:
The purpose of an acknowledgement is for an affiant, whose identity has been verified, to declare to a notary public that he or she has willingly signed an affidavit.
An acknowledgment requires the following steps:
1-The signer/s must appear before the notary public.
2-The notary must positively identify the signer/s according to the state’s rules of the notary.
3-The signer/s may either sign the document before appearing before the notary, or in presence of the notary.
4-The signer/s must declare (acknowledge) signing the document for its intended purpose.
The acknowledgment does not need to be signed in the presence of a notary; however, the affiant does need to swear or affirm that they signed under their own free will.

ONE highly recommends that any document that requires a notary seal be signed in front of the notary public to avoid any unnecessary mistakes or delays.

What is an Affidavit?
Affidavit Explained:
An affidavit is a written statement from an individual which is sworn to be true. It is an oath that what the individual is saying is the truth.

What is a Jurat?
Jurat Explained:
The jurat is for an affiant to swear to or affirm the truthfulness of the contents of an affidavit. A notary public administers an oath or affirmation to the affiant, who verifies the truths listed in the affidavit under penalty or perjury.
A jurat requires the following steps:
1-The signer must appear in person before the notary and sign the document in the presence of the notary.
2-The notary is required to positively identify the signer.
3-The notary must administer a spoken oath or an affirmation, and the signer must respond out loud. Silent answers such as a nod of the head are not acceptable.

“I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Florida, and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice.”