Massachusetts Notary vs. Lawyer: What’s the Difference?

I-9 Form Notary Public

The confusion between notaries and attorneys is one of the most consequential misunderstandings in consumer legal matters. Both handle important documents. Both can work alongside each other in real estate closings, estate planning, and business transactions. But their legal authority and responsibilities are fundamentally different under Massachusetts law — and choosing the wrong one for the wrong task can leave you with an invalid document, a rejected application, or legal consequences you cannot easily undo.