A notary is a public officer who serves as an impartial witness to the signing of documents, verifying the identity and signature of the parties involved.

A notary witnesses signatures, verifies identities, and ensures that documents are signed voluntarily and without coercion.

Notaries can sign various documents, including deeds, wills, powers of attorney, contracts, and affidavits.

Some notaries may require appointments, while others may offer walk-in services. It's best to call ahead to confirm.

Yes, a notary can refuse to sign if they suspect fraud, coercion, or if the signer appears incapacitated.

Notarizations are typically valid indefinitely, but the underlying document may have an expiration date.