Francis M. Boyer, Esq., principal attorney at Boyer Law Firm, P.L. is an appointed Florida Civil Law Notary.

Florida Civil Law Notary

A civil law notary can authenticate legal documents involving transactions between parties of different countries – they are able to verify the authority of individuals to act on behalf of companies, actions, occurrences, and transactions internationally. In addition to notarizing the signatures, they are able to certify the entire legal document.

In order to become a Florida Civil Law Notary they must be a person who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar, who has practiced law for at least 5 years, and who is appointed by the Florida Secretary of State as a Civil Law Notary. Civil Law Notaries are required to pass a State-administered exam. The Florida Civil Law Notary program is a program for Florida Attorneys who practice international law and who have a need to authenticate an act or attest to the validity of a document. This is especially beneficial for Attorney Boyer, who is also Board Certified as an Expert and Specialist in International Law by the Florida Bar

Civil Law Notary vs Regular Notary

A Civil Law Notary has all of the powers of a common law notary, but they also have many additional powers and responsibilities. They are responsible for the entire content of the document, whereas a regular notary is simply responsible for attesting to the validity of the signature on the document. A Civil Law Notary must also be an attorney, which means they can provide legal advice. A civil law notary is only able to authentic acts and documents for jurisdictions who maintain diplomatic relations with the United States. Although there are many Common Law Notaries in the State of Florida, there are very few Civil Law Notaries.

Function of a Florida Civil Law Notary

Civil law notaries are involved in legal situations regarding documents such as contracts, wills, trust, and other documents for international use, or other business transaction documents. Some examples are:

  • Power of Attorney: supervise the execution of the power of attorney and authenticate its valid execution
  • Real estate deed: facilitate and oversee the execution of a deed or real estate to be conveyed in a foreign jurisdiction.
  • Wills and probate: Facilitate the transfer of a foreign probate to Florida by authenticating the order, jurisdiction and authority of the issuing Court.
  • Expert testimony: provide testimony concerning the legality and legal effects of documents from civil law countries.
  • Corporate Transactions: prepare business documents for Florida residents for use in civil law countries.
  • Marriage Ceremonies: perform wedding ceremonies throughout the state of Florida as well as perform ceremonies on the high seas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is a Florida Civil Law Notary and How Does It Differ from a Regular Notary?

A Florida Civil Law Notary has the authority to authenticate legal documents involving transactions between parties from different countries. Unlike a regular notary, who only attests to the validity of signatures, a Civil Law Notary certifies the entire legal document. They also have the responsibility for the document’s content and can provide legal advice.

2. What Specialized Services Can a Florida Civil Law Notary Offer?

A Florida Civil Law Notary can offer specialized services such as overseeing the execution of powers of attorney, facilitating real estate transactions in foreign jurisdictions, and authenticating orders and authority from foreign courts. They can also provide expert testimony concerning the legality and effects of documents from civil law countries.

3. What Types of Documents Can a Florida Civil Law Notary Authenticate?

A Florida Civil Law Notary can authenticate a wide range of documents for international use, including contracts, wills, trusts, and business transaction documents. They can also oversee the execution of powers of attorney, real estate deeds, and facilitate the transfer of foreign probates to Florida.

4. Can a Florida Civil Law Notary Provide Legal Advice?

Yes, a Florida Civil Law Notary is also an attorney, which means they can provide legal advice. This is especially beneficial for complex international transactions where legal guidance is crucial.

5. Are Florida Civil Law Notaries Common?

No, Florida Civil Law Notaries are relatively rare compared to Common Law Notaries. Their specialized skills and additional powers make them valuable for transactions involving international law and cross-border activities.