What is the role of a notary public regarding contracts?

The role of a notary public primarily involves confirming signatures to a contract. When a notary public witnesses a signature, they verify the identity of the individuals signing the document and attest that they are signing willingly and without any form of duress. This process adds a level of authenticity and legal standing to the document, ensuring that it is properly executed.

By confirming the signatures, a notary helps prevent fraud and ensures that the parties involved are aware of the contents of the contract they are signing. This validation is crucial in legal proceedings, as it can be used to prove that the contract was entered into legitimately by all signing parties.