Introduction
In British Columbia, a Notary Public can offer an array of non-contentious legal services such as powers of attorney, real estate property transfers and/or other notarial services. By acting as your legal representative, a notary can draft and witness signing of a legal document and ensure that true copies of the document are certified, provide notarial services to assist the public in powers of attorney, handle real estate matters, and more.
Below is a comprehensive list of services that Juris Notary offers in Vancouver, as well as what those services entail:
1. REAL ESTATE/BUSINESS TRANSFER
- Real Estate Purchase and Sale
- Private Purchase and Sale Agreements
- Mortgage Refinancing
- Business Purchase and Transfers
When it comes to real estate property and business transfers, a Notary Public can provide legal advice and assistance when it comes to handling purchase and sale agreements, mortgage refinancing and business purchases or transfers to meet your legal needs.
2. WILLS/ESTATE PLANNING
- Will and Testament
- Power of Attorney
Notary Publics are trusted certified advisors who can review with you and witness the lawful proceedings of wills and estate planning. A Vancouver Notary Public can help you with the assignment of assets, legal guardianship for your children and more.
A power of attorney is a legal paper which grants a third party the power to represent one’s financial and legal affairs. In British Columbia, one may use a power of attorney in selling or buying real estate property. It isn’t uncommon for one to take a vacation or have an emergency situation which requires travel. In such a case, the use of a power of attorney grants an assigned third party the grounds to act on behalf of the first party.
3. PERSONAL (HEALTH) PLANNING DOCUMENTS
- Representation Agreements
- Advance Directives
Another case where a Notary Public can assist you is in cases of authorizing a third party to help you make important health care decisions in the most urgent of times. It should be noted that both parties should bear a trusting relationship as under such circumstances, and that the person granted authorization, also known as the “agent” or the “attorney,” is able to make decisions for the donor of power, including end-of-life care. This includes the decision to terminate further health care and even life support.
Put simply, a Notary Public can act as a trusted, authorized advisor for yourself and the health care providers of British Columbia. Should you ever find yourself in a situation where you are unable to make important decisions in a timely manner due to medical reasons, a representation agreement (Representation Agreement Act, RSBC 1996, c 405) can be drafted by a Notary Public ahead of time so you may prepare for various medical treatments.
4. NOTARIZATION / AUTHENTICATION/LEGALIZATION
A Notary Public can also help with notarization and authentication of legal documents, such as a travel consent or guardianship forms. When would you need to authenticate/legalize a document?
What does “authentication/legalization” mean?
Often referred to as apostille, Authentication/legalization are the processes required to make documents notarized in Canada valid for use outside of Canada. Authentication/legalization verifies the notary’s stamp and signature and issues a certificate of authenticity to ensure that the notary is a fully licensed member who is in good standing. Apostille is not performed in Canada but authentication and legalization is in its place.
Depending on the final destination and purpose of the document, authentication requirement may vary. The authentication process may involve getting the document notarized and authenticated by the Society – it may require further authentication from the Minister of Justice in Victoria, authentication from the Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and at the Consulate/Embassy of the relevant country.
5. AFFIDAVIT/STATUTORY DECLARATION
- Affidavit
- Statutory declaration
- Identity Documents Requirement
A Notary Public can help manage civil court papers and other legal procedures and documentations requiring an oath, affirmation or declaration. An advanced directive is an outline of your wishes should you choose to refrain from assigning another person to make decisions on your behalf, such as in an unpredictable case of incapacitation.
6. CONTRACT
- Commercial Lease Agreement
- Partnership Agreement
- Other Business Agreements
As an example, a notary can also assist with commercial lease documentations. A good Notary Public will carefully go over your leasing documentations to ensure you understand and agree to the terms and conditions as outlined in your commercial lease agreements to prevent any misunderstandings between yourself and the landlord or property managers when needed.
Conclusion
In short, notarial services facilitate in the authorization and authentication of legal documents. As listed in Vancouver Notary Paul Choi’s biography, your Notary Public is also your arbitrator and mediator when it comes to legal documentation that require a certified advisor’s assistance.
At Juris Notary, we maintain a standardized procedure where we will meet the client in person and go over any questions or concerns you may have regarding your legal documents. Should you have any questions regarding the services that a notary public in Vancouver can provide for you, feel free to contact us today at 604.416.0211 or info@jurisnotary.com to learn more.
