New Jersey Assembly Bill A921

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Authorizes attorney-at-law who validates affidavit, acknowledgment, proof, oath, or affirmation to affix seal indicating that he is attorney-at-law.

Impact

The introduction of A921 is expected to have a significant impact on the practice of law in New Jersey. By enabling attorneys to provide an officially recognized seal for validations, this bill could alleviate some of the burdens on notarial services. Legal professionals may find the ability to validate documents more efficiently beneficial to their clients and their own practices. Furthermore, it might enhance public trust in legal documentation processed by licensed attorneys.

Summary

Assembly Bill A921 aims to authorize licensed attorneys in New Jersey to affix their seal on documents they validate, such as affidavits, oaths, and acknowledgments. This new provision will equate the attorney's validation and seal with the legal weight currently held by notary publics in the state. The intention behind this bill is to streamline the process of document validation by allowing attorneys to perform functions that typically require notary services.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to clarify and expand the roles of attorneys, some may argue that it could reduce the demand for notary services and potentially lead to confusion in distinguishing the functions between attorneys and notaries. Critics might express concerns regarding the possible overreach of authority by attorneys in document validation processes, fearing it could blur lines of accountability and trust that currently exist with notaries.