Why notarize a document?
Notarizing documents in Canada is a process that helps to ensure the validity of signatures on legal documents. Documents that may require notarization include, but are not limited to, Deeds, Mortgages, Contracts, Pension, and Insurance Forms, Letters of Invitation, and Separation Agreements. The presence of a notary public helps to protect both the signer of the document and those who will be relying on its contents.
Benefit of Notarization
Notarizing your letter or document helps to provide assurance that the person signing it has done so in presence of a notary willingly and with a reasonable understanding of their action. It also reduces the chance of someone challenging the fact that they did sign the document since it was signed in presence of a notary who served as a witness and verified their identity.
When should a letter be notarized?
A letter should be notarized when it contains important and legally binding information, such as a Deed or contract. In these cases, having a notary witness the signature ensures that the signature on the document is valid. It also helps to protect both parties involved by providing confirmation that all terms have been agreed upon and that the signatories had the legal capacity to sign.
In short, it’s important to get your letter or document notarized when it contains legally binding information and benefits from being witnessed by a neutral third party.
Steps for Notarization
1. Prepare your letter or document with all necessary information filled in. Make sure that all corrections have been made as required by law.
2. Gather the necessary ID documents that are required by the notary. This will include a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Some documents in some jurisdictions may require 2 forms of ID.
3. Find a notary public and make an appointment in advance to ensure that you have enough time for the process.
4. Present your document to the notary public, along with the required ID document(s). The Notary may ask you some questions to verify your capacity to sign.
5. Sign the document in presence of the notary public.
6. The notary public will witness and verify the signature on the document and affix his or her seal.
7. Once this is done, you can send the original notarized document to the person or organization that required it or keep it somewhere safe until it is needed.
Notarizing letters is a straightforward process that helps to protect all parties involved and provides legal assurance that the document is validly executed.
here is a brief overview of what you should know about services that involve notarizing documents:
Affidavits
An affidavit is a statement of fact made under oath before a notary public or other qualified officer such as a Commissioner of Oaths. To make an affidavit, the person making the statement must swear an oath or affirm that the information contained in it is true.
Certified True Copy
A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been certified as being a true copy by a notary public. To certify a photocopy as a true copy, the notary will either copy it herself or compare it to the original and ensure that both are identical. They will then stamp or write “Certified True Copy” on the photocopy, sign it and apply their seal.
Consent to Travel
If your child will be traveling outside of Canada without both parents, it is recommended that you get their consent to travel letter notarized. The form must be signed by each parent (or legal guardian) that is not traveling with the child. To be notarized it must be signed in front of a notary public.
Letter of Invitation
If you are planning to visit Canada, you may need a letter of invitation from someone who lives here. A letter of invitation is a letter from someone who is willing to host you during your stay in Canada. It must include your name, date of arrival, and length of stay in Canada, among other Immigration requirements. The letter must be signed and dated by the host person before a Notary Public.
Statutory Declarations
A statutory declaration is a formal statement very similar to a statement made under oath before a notary public or other qualified officer. To make a statutory declaration, the person making the statement must make a solemn declaration equivalent to an oath or affirmation that the information contained in the document is true.
Red Seal Notary Services Across Canada
If you’re looking for a notary public in Canada who can help you with all your legal document needs, look no further than Red Seal Notary. We have been a leading services provider for notarizations for over 18 years. Our team of experienced and qualified notaries will be able to assist you with the execution of anything from statutory declarations to Deeds and Licencing agreements.
We provide notarization services for documents like life certificates for pensions, statutory declarations, and more. We also offer online commissioning of documents. Finally, we offer marital status affidavits for couples who are getting married abroad.
