Definition of Services

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

The great art of learning is to understand but little at a time. Understanding comes through communication, and through understanding we find the way to peace. To understand and to be understood makes our happiness on earth.

Vocabulary

Simultaneous Interpreting

Is a specialized type of language translation that allows people who speak different languages to communicate in a legal or paralegal setting. This can include communication with law enforcement personnel, interpreting court proceedings, interpreting between counselors and their clients. The interpreter will typically speak into the ear of the non english speaker interpreting word for word what is being said in the room.

Consecutive Interpreting

Is a commonly used interpretation for meetings and conferences where the interpreter listens for a sentence or full thought before pausing and interpreting for the room what speakers have said.

Spanish- English Document Translation

Is a word for word equivalent of the statements in a document from one language into another. In a casual setting the translator will read the document first and then provide verbal translation of the legal equivalent. In a legal setting the interpreter will translate word for word into an ear piece at the same pace the conversation is happening.

Notarization Services

As a licensed notary in Massachusetts, I offer services including:

Business certificates
Marriage ceremonies
Prenuptial Agreements
Birth certificates
School diplomas
Immigration forms
Legal affidavits
Notarial acts include:
- Acknowledgment – Verifying that a signature was made willingly.
- Affirmation – A non-religious oath for truthfulness.
- Copy Certification – Verifying that a copy is a true reproduction.
- Credible Witnessing – Vouching for identity with a reliable third party.
- Jurat – Witnessing and affirming the truth of a signed document.

Acknowledgment

Shall mean a notarial act in which an individual, at a single time and place:

appears in person before the notary public and presents a document;
is identified by the notary public through satisfactory evidence of identity; and
indicates to the notary public that the signature on the document was voluntarily affixed by the individual for the purposes stated within the document and, if applicable, that the individual had authority to sign in a particular representative capacity.

Affirmation

shall mean a notarial act, or part thereof, that is legally equivalent to an oath in which an individual, at a single time and place:

appears in person before the notary public;
is identified by the notary public through satisfactory evidence of identity; and
makes a vow of truthfulness or fidelity under the pains and penalties of perjury without invoking a deity.

Vocabulary Continued

Copy Certification

Shall mean a notarial act in which a notary public:

is presented with a document
copies or supervises the copying of the document using a photographic or electronic copying process;
compares the document to the copy; and
determines that the copy is accurate and complete.

Immigration Visa Applications

Only a few immigration forms must be notarized, such as the Affidavit of Support (1-134, I-864). U.S. immigration regulations state that no one may prepare or file another person’s immigration papers unless he or she is an attorney or a U.S. Department of Justice-approved “accredited representative.”

Notaries may provide clerical, secretarial or translating assistance with immigration forms as long as they don’t provide legal advice, and then may notarize these forms. However my certification in Legal Interpretation facilitates my ability to provide document translations and in person meeting interpretation.

Small Claims

A small claims court claim is a request to the court that disputes quickly resolves monetary disagreements, amongst two parties inexpensively. In small claims court, the rules are simplified and the hearing is informal. Attorneys are generally not allowed. The person who files the claim is called the plaintiff. The person against whom the claim is filed against is called the defendant. They are also called claimants or parties. You don’t need to be a United States citizen to file or defend a case in small claims court. If you are a non-English speaker, see Making the Best of Your Day in Court section for information on an interpreter. In Massachusetts Small Claims are limited to disputes up to $10,000.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that assigns a designated individual to act on your behalf were you to become incapacitated. It is important that you select not only a person of trust but someone that will prioritize your best interest. The law states that the durable power of attorney should have been assigned in writing on a signed document, with two witnesses present. They must be over 18, mentally competent and with no undue influence.

Wills

A living will is a legal document that assigns distribution of your wealth and accumulated valuables over a lifetime that takes effect upon your death. Wills assign care for minor children as well as protect your interest and wishes when you are no longer there.

Certified Copies

For any vital records, birth deaths and marriage certificates, you can take your original document along with a photocopy, and a notary can mark the photocopy as a certified copy. However, in general, notaries cannot certify any documents that are considered vital records – that is, birth, death, and marriage certificates.