Jurats and Oaths Flashcards

What is a jurat in Washington notary practice?

Answer: A notarial act where the notary administers an oath and the signer signs in the notary's presence

A jurat is a notarial act where the signer must sign the document in the notary's presence and swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the document's contents.

How does a jurat differ from an acknowledgment in Washington?

Answer: A jurat requires the signer to swear an oath and sign in the notary's presence; an acknowledgment only requires appearance

Unlike an acknowledgment, a jurat requires the signer to both sign in the notary's presence and swear or affirm to the truthfulness of the contents.

Which certificate language is typically used for a jurat in Washington?

Answer: Subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me

Jurat certificates use language such as 'subscribed and sworn (or affirmed) before me' to indicate the oath and signing occurred before the notary.

Can a signer affirm instead of swear an oath during a Washington jurat?

Answer: Yes, an affirmation is legally equivalent to an oath

Washington law allows affirmations as a legally equivalent alternative to oaths for those who object to swearing on religious or personal grounds.

What document is most commonly notarized using a jurat in Washington?

Answer: Sworn affidavits and statements

Sworn affidavits and statements are the most common documents requiring a jurat because they require the signer to swear to the truthfulness of the content.

If a signer for a jurat refuses to take an oath or affirmation, what must the Washington notary do?

Answer: Refuse to complete the jurat

The oath or affirmation is a mandatory element of a jurat; if the signer refuses, the notary must decline to complete the notarial act.