Luxury retail involves more than what's happening on the sales floor.

Behind the scenes are owners, vendors, insurers, property matters, business relationships and administrative paperwork.

From independent jewelers and watch dealers to designer boutiques and other specialty retailers, a business may occasionally encounter a document requiring notarization.

Not every business document needs a notary.

Collecting art can involve much more than choosing what hangs on the wall.

Private collectors may encounter documents connected with estates, transactions, business matters, authorizations, international dealings, or other situations in which notarization is requested.

When that happens, the notary's responsibility is specific: properly perform the requested notarial act.

A notary does not authenticate the artwork, establish provenance, determine ownership, or provide an appraisal.