Jurats and Oaths Flashcards

What is the difference between an oath and an affirmation in Washington notary practice?

Answer: An oath invokes a divine being; an affirmation is a solemn declaration without religious reference

An oath typically invokes a religious or divine element, while an affirmation is a solemn non-religious declaration, but both are legally equivalent in Washington.

A Washington notary must administer an oath for which of the following?

Answer: An affidavit to be filed in court

Affidavits filed in court require a jurat, meaning the notary must administer an oath and the signer must sign in the notary's presence.

Can a Washington notary charge a fee to administer an oath?

Answer: Yes, Washington allows notaries to charge fees for administering oaths

Washington law permits notaries to charge fees for notarial acts including administering oaths and affirmations.

What must the notary do immediately before the signer signs the document in a jurat?

Answer: Administer the oath or affirmation

The oath or affirmation must be administered before the signer signs the document so the signing is done under oath.

If a signer is physically unable to raise their right hand during an oath in Washington, what should the notary do?

Answer: Allow the signer to affirm without raising their hand

Raising the right hand is a ceremonial gesture; the signer may affirm or take the oath in any manner that conveys solemnity and binding intent.

Which notarial act should a Washington notary use when notarizing a sworn financial statement for a loan application?

Answer: Jurat

A sworn financial statement requires the signer to swear to its truthfulness, making a jurat the appropriate notarial act.