What 30 Years as a Central Florida Notary Taught Me About Trust

What 30 Years as a Central Florida Notary Taught Me About Trust

© Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese, Esquire (2026)

I’ve practiced law in Central Florida for decades, and for more than thirty of those years I’ve also held a notary commission. Most people only think about notaries when they need one, but when they do, that small stamp suddenly carries real weight. That’s because notarization is not a modern convenience—it’s one of the oldest ways societies have protected honesty in legal and financial life.

It Started in Ancient Rome

The role of the notary was born in ancient Rome. Early Roman record-keepers, known as notarii, were trained to write quickly and accurately as they recorded legal proceedings, contracts, and sworn statements. In a world without recordings, photocopies, or databases, their written word became the official version of events.

As the Roman Empire expanded, trade and property ownership became more complex. Disputes were common, and so was fraud. The solution was simple but powerful: have a trusted, independent person verify who was signing and what was being agreed to. That idea spread across Europe and became the backbone of commercial law.

From Empire to Everyday Life

By the Middle Ages, notaries had become essential legal figures. They authenticated wills, confirmed land transfers, and certified contracts. A notarized document carried authority because it came with a guarantee that someone neutral had witnessed the agreement.

When the American legal system developed, it kept that same principle. Notaries were appointed to act as official witnesses, especially in a growing country where people were buying land, settling estates, and doing business far from courts and judges. The system was streamlined, but the purpose stayed the same.

That purpose still defines my work today.

What I See at My Desk in Florida

After more than thirty years as both a lawyer and a notary, I can tell you that notarization is not just procedural. It is a safeguard. When someone sits across from me to sign a document, I am confirming identity, awareness, and willingness. Those three elements protect people from fraud, coercion, and later disputes.

That quiet moment—checking an ID, watching a signature, applying a seal—turns a piece of paper into a legally reliable record.

Why the Tradition Still Matters

In an age of digital scams and identity theft, the role of the notary is more relevant than ever. Technology may change, but the need for verified human intent does not. The notary stands at the intersection of law and trust, just as Roman scribes once did.

So when I press my stamp onto a document here in Central Florida, I’m not just completing a task. I’m continuing a legal tradition that began in Rome and has survived empires, revolutions, and centuries of change—more than 2,000 years of history.

Equip yourself with the support of Rignanese & Associates’ Legal Eagles Team today! Take action now and call us at 863-294-1114 to schedule your consultation. Together, we will achieve your goals on your estate planning, trust, will, probate or business matter!