AVOIDING NOTARY FRAUD

STOP NOTARY FRAUD!

A “notary” is NOT an attorney and, in most cases, will do much more harm than good. They promise the same services as an attorney at cheaper prices; however, like so often in life, you get what you pay for.

I’ve actually found my fees are comparable to or in a few cases less than those of a notary! But regardless of the fees, going to a notary for your legal case is like stopping in a Walgreens pharmacy for complicated surgery.

I have dealt with hundreds of people who have gone to notaries (and incompetent attorneys) and have their cases irreparably harmed as a result. I’ve literally had crying wives in my office asking if I can bring their husband back to the US since he is in Mexico and just failed his interview at the consulate. Within minutes I can diagnose why, and sadly, there’s usually nothing I can do.

It’s important to know that the notaries’ business here is illegal. The formation of a contract and filling out forms to secure legal rights (i.e. immigration forms and paperwork) has been deemed to constitute the “practice of law” in California. (See CA Business and Professions Codes Sections 6125-6133. See also Birbower, Montalban, Condo & Frank, P.C., v. Superior Court, 17 Cal.4th 119, 127-128 (Cal. 1988).)

Notaries do NOT have licenses to “practice law.” They have not been to law school or passed the California Bar exam. They are, therefore, illegally “practicing law” when they give consultations, form contracts and fill out any type of immigration form.