Differences between Notary Publics in California and Mexico
Antonio Maldonado
A notary public in California, and one in Mexico have distinct responsibilities, qualifications, and legal authority. This post aims to clarify these differences.
Role and Function
In California, a notary public primarily serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents and administers oaths. Their main duty is to prevent fraud by verifying the identity of signers and ensuring that they understand the contents of the document.
On the other hand, a Mexican “notario público” have more expansive roles. They not only authenticate signatures but also draft and review legal documents, such as property deeds, wills, and corporate charters. Their involvement is often required in significant legal transactions.
Qualifications
The qualification process for Mexican notaries is much more rigorous than in California. To become a notario público in Mexico, not only is a a law degree required but also many years of experience working for another notario público and passing a highly competitive examination. In most states in Mexico, this is a lifetime appointment. This is in stark contrast to California, where the process requires a background check, posting a bond, and passing an exam.
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Copyright 2024 by Antonio Maldonado, Maldonado Myers LLP