Notary Public Flashcards
Define Lien
Legal right or claim which attaches upon property until debt is satisfied.
What is an executor?
One named in a will to carry out the provisions of the will.
What is a Consideration?
Anything of value given to induce entering into a contract. It could be money, personal services or even love and affection.
What is a subordination clause?
A clause, which permits the placing of a mortgage at a later date which takes priority over an existing mortgage.
What is Proof?
A formal declaration under oath by a subscribing witness that he/she saw the execution of the instrument.
What is a Misdemeanor?
Crime other than a Felony.
Define Felony
Crime punishable by death or imprisonment in state prison.
What is a Contract?
A) Agreement
B) Two competent parties.
C) Legal consideration.
Define swear.
This term includes every mode authorized by law for administering an oath.
A) Oath
B) Affirmation
What about the Seal?
Seal not required in New York but if used it must have N.P. IDENTITY (name), AUTHORITY (notary public) & JURISDICTION (state of New York).
The Notary’s General authority is defined where?
Mainly defined in 135 of Executive Law as outlined in the Notary Law Booklet.
Define Judgement.
Decree of court declaring one indebted to another and fixing the amount.
Define a Deponent.
Same as affiant. A person deposed who makes the oath to a written statement in a deposition.
Swears
Define Will.
Deposition of one’s property to take effect after death.
Signature of woman Notary Public who gets married and changes name during her commission?
If married after commission may continue to use maiden name. To add married name continue to use maiden name signature & seal and add signature of married name in parenthesis.
What is an Oath?
“I Do” - Verbal pledge made under an immediate sense of his responsibility to God, who will punish affiant if the statement is false.
Defines Laches.
Delay or negligence in asserting one’s legal rights.
Define Duress.
Unlawful constraint forcing someone to do an act against his will.
Define Plaintiff.
Injured person starting suit or action against another.
What is the Statute of Frauds?
State of Law which provides that certain contracts must be in writing or partially complied with in order to be enforceable at law.
What is a Deposition?
Testimony of a witness taken out of court under oath or affirmation to be used in court at a later date.
Define Jurat.
The part of affidavit where the N.P. Certifies that it was sworn before and place directly after the signature as follows:
“Sworn to before me this ______ day of _____ 20__”.
What is a Notary Public?
Public officer that executes acknowledgements & deeds and administers oaths & affirmations.
What is always required when a Notary completes a certificate in addition to the venue (State of New York, County of ______ ) ?
A) Sign Name Appointed with no other.
B) Include venue (where you are by county)
C) Include “Notary Public State of New York” beneath signature printed, typed or stamped in black ink.
D) Include County qualified.
E) Commission expiration date.
Define Venue.
Geographical place where affidavit or Acknowledgement shows venue of the Notarial act on its face: State of New York, County of ______ .
What is Conveyance?
Every instrument in writing except a Will where an estate or real property is created, transferred, assigned or surrendered.
What is a Guardian?
Person in charge of a minor’s person or property.
What is a Mortgage on Real Property?
Instrument creating a lien upon real estate as security for payment of specific debt, usually in bond form.
Define Protest.
A formal statement in writing by N.P. Under seal that a bill of exchange or note was presented for payment or acceptance… And was refused.
What is a Rule for N.P. On Sunday’s?
On Sunday N.P. May administer Oath or Affidavit but CANNOT take a deposition in a Civil proceeding.
Can take a Criminal deposition on Sunday.
Define Contempt of Court.
Behavior disrespectful of the authority of a court that disrupts the execution of court orders.
What is an Ex Parte?
A hearing or examination in presence of or on papers filed by one party in the absence of the other.
What is Litigation?
Act of carrying on a law suit.
What is a Power of Attorney?
Power of Attorney is a written statement by an individual giving another power to act for him.
What is a Statute of Limitations?
Law which limits the time for a criminal or civil action to be started.
What is a Codicil?
Modifies a Will.
Define Escrow.
Placing an instrument in the hands of a person as a depository to later deliver it to a third person. The agreement should be inalterable.
Define Lease.
Contract for life, term of years or at will, for consideration which is usually rent for real estate.
Form of Oath?
A) Said (asked) as statute is written calculated to awaken the conscience.
B) Affiant appears before the N.P.
C) Affiant must speak words, “I do”.
D) Affiant must swear that what he states is true.
Define Statute.
Law by Act of Legislature.
What is the formal declaration of a person making an acknowledgement before a Notary Public?
A formal declaration before a duly authorized officer by a person who has executed an instrument that such execution is his act and deed.
What can the N.P. Charge for the protest of non-payment of any note or for the non-acceptance or non-payment of any bill of exchange, check or draft giving notices and certificates of such protest?
.75 cents for the first protest
.10 cents per additional notice…NOT exceeding a limit of 5 at a time.
Does a N.P. Accidentally leaving out required info below his signature render the act invalid?
NO… The certificate of a “Notary Public” over his signature shall be evidence as presumptive.
Acceptable or “OK” defect.
Can a corporation sign a document and have it notarized?
NO… Only a person with authority to represent the corporation can make proof or acknowledgement.
Can a married woman make an acknowledgement or a proof of conveyance or real property or any other written instrument?
YES… Same as an unmarried woman.
Can a N.P. Receive compensation directly or indirectly for preparing deed, mortgages, assignments, etc or any action of any kind brought before any court of record?
NO… None but for yourself and attorneys to practice in the state with these few exceptions:
A) Officers of societies for the prevention of cruelty.
B) Law students & graduates with special permission under the programs specifying activities engaged in. Must not have failed bar exam two times.
What are the general rules of fees of public officers?
A) Execute without fee or reward unless expressly allowed by law.
B) Charge no more than allowed.
C) No fees charged in advance, unless expressly allowed by law.
D) violations of all the above are subject to liability for treble damages and criminal charges as well as misconduct.
Define Perjury.
Willfully stating or giving false testimony on a material matter under oath or affirmation.
Felony
Define Affirmation.
Solemn declaration for those who conscientiously decline taking sworn oath. Affirmation is just as binding as sworn oath.
“Plan B”
What is Chattel Paper?
Security agreement writings to evidence obligation to pay & security interest in lease or specific goods.
What are the purposes of the law respecting acknowledgements?
Purpose is not only to promote the security of land titles and prevent fraud in conveyancing, but to furnish proof of the due execution of conveyances so as to permit the document to be given in evidence without further proof and make it recordable.
In his/her discretion, what powers does a N.P. Who is also an attorney regularly admitted to practice in the State have?
With discretion, administering oaths / affirmations & take affidavits / acknowledgements of his own client in respect to any matter, claim, action, or proceeding.
What words can a N.P. Who is an attorney at law substitute for “Notary Public” in his stamp?
“Attorney & Counselor at Law”
Who are the 4 people that can take the acknowledgement or proof within the state of a conveyance of real property statute in the state?
A) Justice Supreme Court
B) Official examiner of title
C) Official referee
D) Notary Public (N.P.)
What does the term “person” mean for uniform certificates of acknowledgement or proof within the state?
Any corporation, joint stock co estates general partnership, foreign limited or professional limited liability co, joint venture, limited partnership, natural person, attorney in fact, real estate investment trust or trust, custodian or nominee or any individual or entity in any capacity.
Is a N.P. Authorized to authenticate a deposition in a civil proceeding?
YES…Except on Sunday unless it is a criminal deposition.
When is a N.P. Prohibited from charging a fee for certain official oaths?
A N.P. Can’t charge any public officer including military officers.
Describe issuing a false certificate and the penalty.
Public servant with intent to defraud, deceive or injure another, issues a legal instrument (notarizes it) with intent to be issued knowing it is false.
Class E Felony.
Define Affidavit.
A signed statement duly sworn where Affiant personally appears and makes oath to N.P. “Silent Delivery” of a signed affidavit to N.P. Without oath is not enough for indictment.
What is a Certified Copy?
Copy, signed and certified as true by the public official having custody of the original. N.P. Can’t make certified copies.
What does the term “Interest as a disqualification” mean?
A N.P. Should not take an acknowledgement if he has interest or something to gain personally.
What is the penalty for issuing a false certificate?
Class E Felony - Jail not to exceed 4 years.
3-4 years
What is the fee for administering oath and affirmation and certifying same?
$2.00.
If the N.P. Willfully fails to comply with requirements to include info under his signature, what is the penalty and what if it is an accident?
Shall be subject to disciplinary action by Secretary of State.
Willful = Misconduct - misdemeanor
By Mistake = Slipshod Administration, while not a crime can still result in loss of license.
What are the requisites of acknowledgement?
An officer must not take an acknowledgement or proof unless he knows or has satisfactory evidence that the person making it is the person who executed such instrument.
When can the certificate of acknowledgement or proof of a conveyance of a real property be in another language provided they are written in English letter or characters?
There must be a translation in English duly executed and authenticated by the person executing and duly designated person for making translation by the County Judge of the county or Justice of Supreme Court or acknowledged and certified under oath.
When can a N.P. Execute Wills?
NO… “The execution of wills under the supervision of a N.P. Can not be too strongly condemned.”
What are the sentences of imprisonment for a felony?
The maximum for the indeterminate sentence shall be at least 3 years and the fixed term is as follows:
Class D Felony - not to exceed 7 years
Class E Felony - not to exceed 4 years
What is an Administrator?
A person appointed by court to manage the estate of deceased person who left no will.
What is Notarial Authentication?
Certificate by county clerk sub joined to proof or acknowledgement or oath authenticating or verifying N.P. Authority. $3.00 signature, $5.00 official conduct.