What does a notarial act refer to?

A notarial act refers specifically to actions that a notary public is authorized to perform within their legal capacity. These acts usually include taking acknowledgments, administering oaths, certifying copies of documents, and witnessing signatures. The purpose of a notarial act is to ensure the authenticity and integrity of documents, providing a layer of legal protection and verifying the identity of the parties involved.

The definition emphasizes the role of the notary as a neutral witness to the signing of documents and as a facilitator of the legal process, which is critical in preventing fraud and ensuring that the parties understand the implications of what they are signing. This authority is established by law, granting notaries the necessary power to perform specific acts that are essential in various legal and financial transactions.