The two main types of judicial notarizations are Notary Acknowledgements and Jurats.
What is a Jurat?
A Jurat is an affidavit (which is written by an affiant) that has been sworn or affirmed before a public officer, usually a Notary Public. It requires the signer to swear or affirm to the truth of the statements made in their document and to have their signature witnessed by the notary.
The notarization serves as evidence that the statement was made under oath and is legally binding. In some cases, a Jurat may be used in lieu of actual testimony in court proceedings.
Jurats are most commonly found in legal documents such as contracts, affidavits, and other sworn statements. They can also be found on birth certificates, marriage licenses, and other official documents.
One way that a Jurat differs from a notary acknowledgement, where the document or affidavit is able to be signed ahead of time and with no notary public present, Jurats require the affiant to confirm their oath by signing the document in front of the notary.
The information contained in a jurat must be true and accurate. If any part of the statement is found to be false, the signer may face legal consequences. The notary is also responsible for verifying the identity of the signer and confirming that all documents are properly signed and witnessed.
In addition to providing evidence of a sworn statement, jurats are also used to provide legal recognition and authentication of documents. This can be important when it comes to proving the authenticity of certain documents for legal proceedings or other official matters.
Jurat Definition:
A notarial certificate used when an individual is signing and swearing (or affirming) that certain written statements are true.
Speeding Up the Notary Process
For the last few hundred years getting a notarization has been more or less a pain. You had to find a local notary, then arrange your schedule and finally go and travel to meet the notary.
Now things are finally changing. You can get documents notarized at the speed of the modern world. After recently seeing mass legalization from the Covid pandemic, online notarization has become the number one option for anybody looking to get their legal documents processed faster.
Online notarization companies like BlueNotary offer fast, secure document authentication and notary services from the comfort of your home. All you need to do is scan or upload a copy of your document online, agree to their terms and conditions, provide valid identity proof (such as a driver’s license or biometrics), enter payment details, and you’ll be able to get your documents notarized within minutes.
BlueNotary’s 9.6/10 star reviews from TrustPilot show how easy and reputable their online notarization is and with 24/7 Live chat support, we’re always there to support with any questions you might have.
How Does BlueNotary Work?
Using a service like BlueNotary will save you time and money since you don’t need to find and schedule with an in-person notary. Plus, the BlueNotary platform is secure and simple.
We can break down the process into three steps.
- Enter your email on the front page of bluenotary
- Follow the Directions in your Email and upload your Document + ID
- Meet the Commissioned Notary and complete your signing
The entire process start to finish can take less than 10 minutes for a Notary Acknowledgement. BlueNotary even makes it easy for foreigners with their biometric identity proofing.
Ready to get that Jurat? Go to BlueNotary to get started.
FAQ’s related to Jurat
1. What are the legal implications if a signer’s statement in a Jurat is found to be false?
When a signer’s statement in a Jurat is found to be false, the consequences can be significant and vary depending on the jurisdiction. This action is considered perjury, as the signer swears to the truthfulness of the document’s contents under oath. Legal repercussions can include fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment, highlighting the importance of honesty in these sworn statements. The severity of the consequences typically correlates with the nature of the false statement and its impact on legal proceedings or contractual obligations.
2. How does the process of online notarization compare to traditional in-person notarization in terms of legal validity and recognition, especially for documents like Jurats?
Online notarization, especially for Jurats, holds the same legal validity and recognition as traditional in-person notarization, thanks to recent advancements and legalizations prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Services like BlueNotary have streamlined the process, allowing for secure and efficient notarization that meets legal standards. However, individuals must verify that their jurisdiction accepts online notarization for their specific document type. The convenience and time-saving aspects of online notarization, combined with its legal robustness, make it an attractive option for those needing to notarize documents promptly.
3. Can a Jurat be used for any type of document, or are there specific documents that require or do not allow for Jurat notarization?
Jurat notarization is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of documents that require the signer to attest to the truthfulness of the contents under oath. These include legal documents, affidavits, contracts, and sworn statements. However, it’s essential to understand that not every document is suitable for Jurat notarization. Some jurisdictions and specific document types may require a different form of notarization, such as an acknowledgment, depending on the document’s intended use and legal requirements. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult with a notary professional or legal expert to determine the appropriate notarization type for your document, ensuring it meets all necessary legal criteria.
