Do I Need to See a Justice of the Peace or a Notary Officer in Hamilton, Newmarket or Virginia?

Professional Notary Services

When it comes to getting legal or business documents certified and authenticated, there are two types of professionals who might be able to help you: notaries public and Justices of the Peace. Both roles are similar. According to the Australian government website, the job of a Justice of the Peace is ‘to act as an independent and objective witness to documents people use for official or legal purposes.’ Typically, a Justice of the Peace can witness oaths, affidavits and signatures, take statutory declarations or certify that a document is original and valid.

If you meet with a notary officer in Hamilton or Newmarket, you will find that notaries have a similar job description. Comparable to a Justice of the Peace, a notary can witness signatures, administer oaths and certify documents as legitimate. The question, then, is whether you should see a notary officer or a Justice of the Peace when you need help with one of these matters.

If you are wondering whether you should look for a Justice of the Peace or a notary officer in Virginia, first ask yourself one question: are you authenticating documents for national or international use?

If you are preparing a contract, will, deed, power of attorney, affidavit, statutory declaration, oath or some other document or statement for a legal or business matter that is domestic in nature, you can decide for yourself whether to work with a notary officer or a Justice of the Peace. Both officers are qualified to witness and authenticate the validity and legitimacy of documents or statements that will be used within Australia.