Common Notarial Acts
Objectives
- Name and describe common notarial acts
- Explain requirements to clients
- Use formal requests
Explanation
Common acts: signature authentication (autenticación de firma), certification of copies (certificación de copias), powers of attorney, sworn statements (declaraciones juradas), company formation, marriage, and property transfers. For each act, tell the client what to bring: valid ID, documents, witnesses if needed and payment of fees according to the tariff.
sworn statement
A declaration made under oath before a notary.
“He signed a sworn statement about his income.”
to authenticate a signature
To certify that a signature was made by a specific person.
“The notary authenticated her signature.”
special power of attorney
Authority for a specific act only (poder especial).
“A special power is enough to sign this sale.”
general power of attorney
Broad authority to manage affairs (poder generalísimo/general).
“A general power of attorney must be registered.”
witness
A person present to confirm an act.
“Two witnesses are required for this will.”