A public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters. A notary’s main function is to attest and certify, by his/her hand and official seal, certain classes of documents, in order to give them authenticity in government authorities, foreign jurisdictions, etc.

A formal promise by one party (the guarantor or surety) to another party (the creditor) to accept responsibility of a third party’s (the principal debtor) debt, if that third party cannot or refuses to pay it.