Notaries...  A Trusted Tradition

A Notary Public personifies a rich tradition of public trust that has stretched unbroken from early Roman times to the present day. This tradition dates back to ancient history when Notaries were the principal agents, scriveners and scribes for commercial and judicial law. A Notary's word, signature and notarial seal are time-honoured testaments to the character of this specialized professional.

Traditionally, Notaries have protected the interests of the people, clarifying the complexities of the law an making it more accessible. The qualities of a Notary Public have remained constant throughout history - a person of impeccable integrity who can be trusted. Notaries have a tradition of trust.

What Legal Services Do Notaries Offer?

A Notary Public is a specialist, practising within clearly delineated areas of law. A Notary's strength is in preparing accurate, reliable legal documents. Some of the ways a Notary can serve you are:

• Real Estate Transfers & Conveyancing
• Manufactured Home Transfers
• Mortgage Documentation and Refinancing
• Will Preparation
• Attestation of Signatures
• Administration of Oaths
• Affidavits
• Statutory Declarations
• Authentication of True Copies of Documents
• Drafting Business Contracts
• Builders Liens
• Powers of Attorney

What Can A Notary Public Do For You?

Notaries are proud members of a select group of legal professionals commissioned for life by the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Notaries are specialists in land law. They are trained in non-contentious legal matters, specializing in preparing documents that define and protect your interests in property. Notaries do not argue cases before a judge. Their role is to act as a facilitator, committed to properly preparing and registering your legal documents.

Buying a house or making a Will are major legal transitions in your life. You need someone you can trust who will advise you, personally. Your Notary Public will ensure that:

• all documents are correctly prepared and properly registered
• you understand all documents before you sign
• your legal interests are protected
• you receive fair, honest, service and value for your legal dollar.

Personal Attention and Accessibility

Notaries are dedicated members of your community. Because each Seal is restricted to a particular geographical area, Notaries focus on providing legal services exclusively to their local clientele. This means that your Notary Public gives you the personal attention and personal service you deserve.

Approachable and accessible, your local Notary Public has built a strong reputation by working at the community level, speaking with the people in your neighbourhood. You can be sure that a Notary will give you the straight answer to your legal questions.

Integrity, Education and Competence

Before candidates can begin training for a career as a Notary Public, they must submit to a scrupulous review of their personal, financial, educational and business background. This screening reviews their character, reputation and integrity. Most of today's Notaries have post-secondary education plus several years of business experience - often in real estate, insurance, accounting or the legal field before starting their notarial practice.

After two years of professional legal education, a notarial candidate writes rigorous examinations set by a Board of Examiners appointed by the Attorney General. The successful new Notary receives a highly valued Seal, symbolic of the trust that has been earned, from a Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

A Notary's Seal = Public Protection

The notarial Seal symbolizes trust and public protection. The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia, the professional association and self-governing body to which all professional Notaries Public must belong, has implemented policies designed to protect the public.

The Society's Professional Errors and Omissions Liability Insurance is mandatory for every Notary Public.

All members are subject to the disciplinary powers of the Society as set out in the Notaries Act and Society Bylaws and Rules.

Make sure that the Notary Public you choose is a professional member of The Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia.