At Zubic Law, we recognize the importance of having your legal documents verified with confidence and ease. Our team of attorneys, each a qualified notary, is available to provide comprehensive notarization and commissioning services. Whether you need an affidavit, a statutory declaration, or any document bearing your signature authenticated, we are committed to delivering prompt and reliable service to ensure your documents are legally recognized.
FAQ
Notarizing is a process carried out by a notary public, who is authorized to perform several key tasks. These include certifying that copies of documents are true copies of the original, witnessing and verifying signatures, administering oaths or affirmations, and providing notarial certificates for international use. Notaries are governed by Ontario’s Notaries Act and have broader powers than commissioners for taking affidavits. Notarized documents are commonly required for legal, financial, or international purposes, such as powers of attorney, travel consent forms, or documents to be used in foreign jurisdictions.
Commissioning refers to the act of administering oaths or affirmations and taking affidavits or statutory declarations. This service is provided by commissioners for taking affidavits, who are appointed under Ontario’s Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act. Many lawyers and paralegals are automatically commissioners, along with others specifically appointed to the role. Commissioning is typically used for domestic purposes, including affidavits required in court proceedings, statutory declarations for government applications, and oaths of office.
The primary distinction between notarizing and commissioning lies in their scope of authority. Notaries public can perform all the duties of commissioners, but they also have additional powers, such as certifying copies and notarizing documents for international use. Commissioners, by contrast, have a more limited role, focusing on administering oaths, affirmations, and taking affidavits and declarations. While all notaries are commissioners, not all commissioners are notaries. Choosing between the two services depends on whether the document requires certification, notarization, or simply a sworn or affirmed statement.
At Zubic Law we do Notarizing. Click on the contact us button or just give us a call.
To have a document notarized in Ontario, you first need to identify the type of service you require. Notarization involves certifying copies of documents, witnessing signatures, or administering oaths, while commissioning is limited to administering oaths and taking affidavits.
Notary public services are provided by individuals appointed under the Notaries Act, and every lawyer and paralegal in Ontario is automatically a commissioner for taking affidavits. Commissioners for oaths are governed under the Commissioners for Taking Affidavits Act.
Once you determine your needs, prepare your documents carefully. Ensure that all forms are completed but unsigned, as the notary or commissioner must witness your signature.
During the notarization process, the notary will verify your identity, witness your signature, and apply their official seal to the document. Fees vary based on the provider and the type of document, so it’s best to inquire in advance. Following these steps will ensure your documents are notarized correctly and meet the legal requirements in Ontario.
