Сравнение
Notary vs. Attorney: What's the Difference?
Краткий ответ
A notary public is a state-commissioned official authorized to witness signatures, verify identities, and administer oaths — but cannot provide legal advice or draft legal documents. An attorney is a licensed lawyer who can advise on legal matters, draft documents, represent clients in disputes, and take legal action on their behalf. Notaries authenticate; attorneys advise. Many documents require both a notary's stamp and an attorney's drafting expertise.
Автор James Chae — Сооснователь, Expert Sapiens
Licensed Attorney (JD)Bar-Admitted Professionals
Экспертиза платформы: Юридические услуги и отбор адвокатов · Проверено апрель 2026
Проверено верифицированными адвокатами на Expert Sapiens
Licensed AttorneysBar Association Members
Ключевые отличия
АспектNotaryAttorney
Primary functionWitness and authenticate signatures; verify identity; administer oathsProvide legal advice, draft legal documents, and represent clients in legal matters
LicensingState-commissioned notary public — typically minimal requirementsLicensed attorney admitted to the bar — JD required, bar exam passed
Legal adviceCannot provide legal advice — doing so would constitute unauthorized practice of lawCore function — advises on rights, obligations, risks, and legal strategy
Cost$5–$25 per notarized document; mobile notaries charge $50–$150 for travel$200–$600+/hour depending on specialty
Document draftingCannot draft legal documents — only witnesses and stamps documents prepared by othersDrafts, reviews, and negotiates legally binding documents
Когда выбрать Notary
- You need a document notarized — a deed, power of attorney, affidavit, or contract — that has already been prepared
- You need an official witness to verify that signatures are authentic
- You need an apostille or official certification for international document use
- The task is purely authentication — no legal advice is needed
- You need a notary for a routine transaction: loan documents, real estate closing, or identity verification
Когда выбрать Attorney
- You need legal advice on whether to sign a document, what it means, or what rights it creates
- You need a contract, will, trust, or other legal document drafted or reviewed
- You are in a legal dispute and need someone to represent your interests
- You need to understand your legal obligations or rights in a situation
- You are making a significant legal or financial decision and want professional guidance
Итог
A notary public and an attorney serve entirely different functions — one authenticates, the other advises. Many situations require both: an attorney drafts the will, and a notary witnesses its signing. Never rely on a notary for legal advice, and never assume a notarized document is legally sound without proper legal drafting. When legal consequences are involved, start with an attorney.
Типичная стоимость
Почасовая ставка
$150–$500/час
Значительные различия в зависимости от специализации — интеллектуальная собственность и корпоративное право дороже
За сессию
$200–$750
Типично для 60–90-минутной сессии по проверке договора, юридической стратегии или консультации по соответствию
Проектный гонорар
$500–$5 000+
Фиксированная оплата за регистрацию компании, составление договоров или регистрацию товарных знаков