Notary Public License Law Definitions and Terms

These flashcards cover key definitions and terms related to the Notary Public License Law, assisting in understanding essential legal concepts.

Acknowledgment

A formal declaration before an authorized officer that a person executed a written instrument.

Affiant

The person who makes and subscribes his signature to an affidavit.

Affidavit

A signed statement duly sworn to by the maker before a notary public or authorized officer.

Administrator

A person appointed by the court to manage the estate of a deceased person without a will.

Affirmation

A solemn declaration made by persons who decline taking an oath, equivalent to an oath.

Attest

To witness the execution of a written instrument and subscribe as a witness.

Authentication (Notarial)

A certificate by a county clerk verifying the authority of a notary public.

Certified Copy

A true copy of a public record signed and certified by the responsible public official.

Chattel

Personal property, such as household goods or fixtures.

Contract

An agreement between competent parties to do or not do certain things for a legal consideration.

Conveyance (Deed)

Every writing that creates, transfers, assigns or surrenders an estate in real property.

Deponent

One who makes oath to a written statement, equivalent to an affiant.

Deposition

The testimony of a witness taken out of court or hearing under oath, before a notary or authorized person.

Duress

Unlawful constraint exercised upon a person forcing them to act against their will.

Executor

One named in a will to carry out the provisions of the will.

Felony

A crime punishable by death or imprisonment in a state prison.

Guardian

A person in charge of a minor's person or property.

Jurat

The part of an affidavit where a notary certifies that it was sworn to before him.

Lease

A contract whereby one entitled to possession of real property transfers that right for a period of time.

Misdemeanor

Any crime other than a felony.

Mortgage

An instrument creating a lien on real estate as security for a payment of a specified debt.

Notary Public

A public officer who executes acknowledgments and administers oaths for legal documents.

Oath

A verbal pledge made by a person under an immediate sense of responsibility to God for truthfulness.

Power of Attorney

A written statement granting another person the authority to act on one's behalf.

Signature of Notary Public

The name under which a notary was appointed, signified alongside identifying information.

Statute of Frauds

State law requiring certain contracts to be in writing to be enforceable.

Statute of Limitations

A law that limits the time during which a criminal prosecution or civil action can be brought.

Venue

The geographical place where a notary public takes an affidavit or acknowledgment.

Will

The legal declaration of a person's wishes regarding the disposition of their property after death.