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What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a public officer appointed
by the Governor, with the advice and consent of his Counsel, whose function is to administer oaths/affirmations; to take acknowledgments;
to issue subpoenas and summonses; to take evidence and testimony by means of deposition (oral questioning outside of court);
to perpetuate testimony; witness signatures; to take affidavits (jurat's); and to perform other duties as prescribed by law.
A Massachusetts Notary Public has the
same authority as a District Judge in issuing subpoenas and/or summonses to compel a witness to appear before the Notary to
testify. In addition, when you take an oath/affirmation before a Notary, the oath/affirmation is as powerful as if it
were made before a Supreme Court Judge. A Notary Public that is not familiar with court procedures should
not attempt to issue an order, or take testimony.
The jurisdiction and commission of the Officer
complies with M.G.L. c. 222 § 1. A Notary Public may exercise their authority anywhere in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
Other Officers authorized to perform Notarial
Acts include:
- Justice of the Peace;
- Judge;
- Clerk of Court;
- Commissioner appointed by the Governor;
- Tax Assessor or Head Clerk of the Tax Assessor's
Office;
- A member of the U.S. Armed Forces (rank specific)
What is a Paralegal?
A Paralegal is a respected member of the legal community who assists lawyers, police officers/departments, clerk-magistrates,
law clerks, judges, the general public, etc. in conducting investigations, case preparation, legal research, litigation
support, etc.
Our office does not work with one attorney,
as most Paralegal's do. We freelance with numerous law offices and only seek the assistance of an attorney when and if
your case becomes hectic and requires the practice of law. Normally the attorneys we contract with authorize us to proceed
under his/her supervision.
Paralegals are allowed to represent clients before various government agencies
such as the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the Department of Social Services (DSS). Our clients have told
us that they actually use our business name (IPS) as a scare tactic to ensure that DTA case workers follow and abide by their
established agency regulations. To date, we are proud to state that IPS has never lost a case that was pending before
the Department of Transitional Assistance.
Our office can assure you that our Paralegal's are fully competent and educated
in paralegalism. Paralegals are not attorneys licensed to practice law and cannot give or accept fees for legal advice. If
you need legal advice, please consult an attorney. If you need help finding an attorney, we can help you.
What is a Process Server?
A Process Server is essential to the legal system. No case can commence without
the service of process upon the defendant named in the case. Each side has to know what is being done with the case.
A Process Server is a person of high moral character who serves various types of court process, demand letters, notices, etc.
Our Officer's are dedicated and aggressive in serving the process. In addition, our Process Server's have good reputations
and are familiar with the applicable court rules and laws of Massachusetts that mandates and controls the actions of the server.
Our Mission
Our mission is to work with attorneys and provide paralegal services to individuals
who can't afford to pay attorney fees. We believe that everyone should have equal access to adequate legal services. With
IPS working with your attorney, under his/her supervision, your legal needs are met at a reduced cost. You pay for a
Paralegal's time, not that of an attorney.
We want to provide every Notarial act allowed by Massachusetts law... for
any person requesting such an act who tenders the appropriate fees and charges.
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