Learn more about Notary
What is a notary?
A notary is a person working in the legal field who notarizes documents to verify their validity. Notaries are responsible for notarizing a variety of documents, including business contracts, loan papers, wills, and other legal papers to ensure that all parties involved are clear on the document's purpose. Most notaries provide this service at no cost to clients as it comes under their standard fees for services rendered. So if you are a business owner, consider hiring a notary.
Accompanying and protecting citizens
Notaries are the lawyers of agreement for families. They accompany hundreds of thousands of citizens through the important stages of their lives. Their advice allows them to evaluate the legal implications of a decision, to protect their assets and to ensure that their last wishes are known and respected.
Whether you are getting married, separating, buying a house, acquiring a business or planning your estate, the notary is a legal advisor who will help you make an informed decision and make it official.
As an expert in prevention, the notary settles disputes by means other than judicial solutions, using methods such as :
- Civil, commercial and household meditation
- Conciliation
- Negotiation
- Amicable divorce
- Amicable divorce
- Arbitration
How to choose a notary?
If you need a notary but don't know one, ask for referrals from closed ones or use the Find a Notary referral tool. You will find names of notaries based on different search criteria and near your home.
If you can't get recommendations from your closed ones, you can search a notary directory to find a serious notary and make an appointment with professionals near you.
Why do I need notary services ?
Finding affordable notary services in your region may be difficult, especially if you're on a tight budget. Not only do you have to worry about low pricing, but you must also consider the needs of clients who require a notary.
A notary is used to attest everything from legal documents to contracts and agreements. Notaries can notarize passports, driver's licenses, birth certificates, diplomas, degrees, etc., as well as perform notarial acts like swear in new citizens and take affidavits and depositions (sworn statements).
There are other notary services available, but they should give you an idea of what a notary entails and what he or she can accomplish.
Not all notaries are the same when it comes to their services. Not only do they not always cost the same amount, but not all notaries perform similar tasks when it comes to verifying legal papers. Some might be more experienced than others and hence command a higher fee.
It is vital that you remember not to notarize any legal papers that aren't yours. Notaries are not permitted to notarize documents that aren't theirs, and must only sign the notary section of a document if they have been commissioned by the person who has legal ownership of it.
The difference between lawyer and notary public?
Understanding the difference between a notary public and a lawyer can potentially help to save your time and money spent on legal proceedings as needed.
Notaries generally handle non-contentious legal matters where all parties have reached an agreement and need a document draft/preparation and legal witness to advise and arrange the proceedings of said agreement.
For the majority, time and money may be the 2 most important deciding factors.
A lawyer, on the other hand, can legally represent clients in court and be involved in litigation. A notary can offer legal advice in various circumstances, but not vice versa.
A Notary Public is a great option if you are seeking advice or assistance with personal documents.
Role of a Notary Public
Notaries act as agreement specialists for families. They set up legal protection mechanisms in order to prevent abusive situations.
They work on finding common ground and select the appropriate conflict resolution method. The veracity of the content, date and signature of these documents stands in court with no need for further authentication.
The main difference between notaries and all other legal professionals is the status of public officer conferred on them by the government.
Notaries have the duty to proceed acts in the interest of the peoples involved, avoiding any bias.
A lawyer can represent you in court and be involved in litigation. The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia says prospective notaries must complete a University Level, Basic Accounting Course. Applicants will be required to complete a written exercise as part of the interview process. This is not proceeding legal advice or any kind of legal or other professional advice.
How can a notary help with real estate?
The notary will not handle the transactions personally, but notaries can authenticate and verify the terms of agreements. They may be involved in documenting the buyer's financial status (if notarizing documents regarding foreclosure) or verifying signatures where people are buying property together (such as spouses). A notary should attest titles to houses as well. Some notaries charge for their services, while others do not. If you're thinking of buying a home, ask your lawyer about a notary who may be able to assist you. Because some notaries provide mobile and online services, people have their documents notarized online, which is a nice tool for people that are too busy to book an appointment with their notary at their office.