Have you needed a witness for a statutory declaration or an affidavit? Maybe you needed someone to certify an original document.
Chances are you may have visited a Justice of the Peace.
But right now, there's a dire shortage of them right across Victoria.
The shortage is so bad the government has launched a massive recruitment drive for 800 new JPs.
The call-out extends to Glenelg, Mildura, Warrnambool, Corangamite, Hindmarsh, Horsham, Moyne and West Wimmera.
In the rural town of Nhill, near the South Australian border, Robert Gersch is the only JP serving a population of 2,400.
Mr Gersch, who also serves on Hindmarsh Shire Council, said that another two JPs were needed to address the workload.
"We used to have half a dozen JPs here in Nhill, but as they've gotten a little bit older or deceased, attrition has gobbled that up," he said
"They bought in that every five years you have to do a revision, and older people in particular just don't want to do that, so quite a few have dropped out."
What is a Justice of the Peace?
In Victoria, Justice of the Peace is a volunteer role that operates through the Department of Justice and Community Safety. The role has the power to witness a range of legal documents.
The free services that JPs provide include attesting the execution of a document, witnessing a statutory declaration or an affidavit for use in court, and certifying true copies or a person's identity.
They can be contacted individually at any time or by attending a Document Signing Station located in a public space such as a police station, library or council office.
Sunraysia Royal Victorian Society of Honorary Justices president Tony Robbins said no bookings were required to visit JPs based at the Mildura police station.
"People enter off the street, and we look after whatever they need," he said.
"I'll work once a fortnight, and it amazes me the types of things that come in that I have to witness."
Who can become a Justice of the Peace?
There are no specific qualifications as such, but eligible candidates must be Australian citizens over the age of 18 and cannot be insolvent or under administration.
Mr Gersch said the role was ideal for someone looking to serve their community.
"It's not just a matter of signing papers. There is a bit more to it than that," he said.
"It is quite time-consuming, and you have to keep up with all of the rules and regulations."
How do you become a Justice of the Peace?
If all of the previously mentioned criteria apply, there is still mandatory training and checks to undertake.
Anyone interested in applying must first attend a virtual information session taking place over the coming weeks.
Applicants will then be interviewed by Honorary Justice Services Support and undertake training before being appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General.
Mr Robbins said the department would also undertake checks with police, the Australia Securities and Investment Commission, and the Insolvency and Trustee service.
"They will also check your social media to make sure you haven't been saying anything untoward," he said.
Why volunteer?
Mr Robbins said he was originally nominated by two former JPs, more than 20 years ago.
"I regard it as an honour to be a JP," he said.
"I didn't realise at the time how honoured I would feel, but since then, I've really appreciated those people."
Mr Gersch said he would be happy to speak to anyone in the Wimmera region interested in becoming a JP.
"I find the role very interesting, and it's a great service to the community," he said.
