The Role of a Notary Public in Nova Scotia

In addition to administering oaths and affirmations, Notaries Public are also responsible for the authentication of legal documents. This can include verifying the identity of the parties involved, as well as ensuring that all necessary signatures are present and that other requirements are met.

III. The Legal Status of Notaries Public

In Canada Notaries Public are regulated by provincial law societies, which set out the standards for their training, licensing, and professional conduct. Notaries Public are authorized to perform certain legal functions and are held to high standards of integrity and professionalism.

IV. Notaries Public and Real Estate Transactions 

One of the most important roles that Notaries Public play is in real estate transactions. In some provinces this can include the preparation and review of legal documents, such as purchase agreements and mortgage contracts. Notaries Public are also responsible for verifying the identity of the parties involved and ensuring that all necessary signatures are present.

V. Other Common Services

Notary Publics are frequently asked to perform a wide range of services, including certifying true copies, witnessing agreements, and signing visa invitation letters, insurance and banking forms. Certifying true copies involves verifying the authenticity of a copy of a document, such as a passport or driver's license, and providing a signed and stamped copy that is considered legally valid. Witnessing agreements involves being present when parties sign a contract or agreement, and providing a notarized signature that attests to the authenticity of the document.

Visa invitation letters are required by some countries when a foreign national is applying for a visa, and Notary Publics can provide the necessary certification for these letters. Insurance and banking forms also frequently require notarization, such as for the transfer of ownership of a vehicle or property, or for the opening of a bank account. In all cases, Notary Publics play a vital role in the process of verifying the authenticity of legal documents and ensuring that they meet the necessary requirements for use in court or other legal proceedings.

See here for information about the authentication and legalization of notarized documents for use in other jurisdictions.

VI. Choosing a Notary Public 

When choosing a Notary Public, it is important to consider their qualifications, reputation, experience, availability, and fees. Notaries Public must meet certain educational and training requirements, as well as be licensed by their provincial law society. It is also important to choose a Notary Public with a good reputation, who is experienced in the type of legal transaction you are engaging in.

Availability and accessibility are also important factors to consider when choosing a Notary Public. You will want to choose someone who is available to meet with you at a convenient time and location. Finally, fees are an important consideration when choosing a Notary Public. It is important to understand the fee structure of the Notary Public, which may vary depending on the type of legal transaction, the complexity of the document, and the Notary Public's level of expertise. It is always a good idea to obtain a fee estimate in advance, so you can budget accordingly and avoid any surprises. While fees should not be the sole consideration when choosing a Notary Public, they should be taken into account along with other factors such as qualifications, reputation, experience, and availability.