Can notaries in Guam draft legal documents?

Notaries in Guam are not permitted to draft legal documents unless they are licensed attorneys. This restriction is in place to ensure that individuals who create legal documents have the appropriate legal training and expertise. Drafting legal documents can involve complex legal issues that require an understanding of the law, which notaries are not trained to navigate unless they are also licensed to practice law.

While notaries can perform essential functions such as verifying signatures, administering oaths, and witnessing documents, the act of drafting legal documents falls squarely within the realm of legal services, thereby necessitating the qualifications of a licensed attorney. This helps protect the public from potential mistakes or legal issues that could arise from improperly prepared documents. As such, any activities related to drafting legal documents should be conducted by qualified legal professionals to ensure accuracy and legal standing.