New Jersey Notary Practice Exam

What must a notarial officer state if they are not licensed as an attorney at law?

1. They must disclose their lack of legal authority

2. They must state they may not provide legal advice

3. They must inform clients of the risks of not having legal representation

4. They must refuse any requests for legal advice

The correct answer is: They must state they may not provide legal advice

A notarial officer who is not licensed as an attorney at law must explicitly state that they may not provide legal advice. This is crucial because notaries are often approached by individuals seeking assistance with legal documents or processes. By clearly informing clients that they cannot offer legal advice, the notarial officer is ensuring that clients understand the limits of their role and the potential need for professional legal counsel. This transparency helps protect both the notary and the client. It is important for the notarial officer to communicate this limitation to avoid any misconceptions about their authority or expertise. Clients may inadvertently assume that a notary, due to their involvement with legal documents, is qualified to give legal guidance, which is not the case if the notary is not an attorney. Therefore, this communication serves not only to clarify the notary's duties but also to safeguard clients from making uninformed decisions regarding legal matters.