What is the purpose of a notarial act in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the purpose of a notarial act is to serve as a public document that proves the authenticity of a transaction or agreement. Notarial acts enhance the reliability of documents by providing an official confirmation from a notary public, who is a licensed official with the authority to witness and certify documents. This process adds a layer of legal credibility and can help prevent disputes over the validity of a transaction.

By documenting the signing of agreements in the presence of a notary, these acts ensure that the involved parties have freely entered into the agreement and that their identities have been verified. Such acts are often required for significant legal transactions like property sales, wills, and certain contracts, lending them the weight of legal standing that can be referred to in case of future disputes.