With many things, there is one way for 49 states, and then there is the Louisiana Way. In 49 states, a notary public is just a regular person who can witness a signature and stamp a document. "Anybody can be a notary," as Col. Winchester once said. In Louisiana, however, a notary public is a totally different animal.
Notaries date back to Roman law. In ancient Spain, the king himself appointed notaries. Here in Louisiana, a notary can draft and prepare legal documents, something that can only be done by an attorney in other states. Notaries have prepared wills, land sales, and contracts, as well as taking depositions. This guide should show the reader just inseparable a notary and notarial documents are from every aspect of Louisiana law.