Notarizing & Commissioning

In many and varied circumstances, you will come across important documents that must be signed before a “Notary Public” or “Commissioner for Oaths”.  In essence, their job in these matters is to be an impartial but official witness.  No legal advice is required nor given in most such instances, and documents must be signed in the presence of the notary or commissioner.

In many provinces, Notary Public is a designation separate and apart from lawyers, however that is not the case in Alberta.  Here, you must see a lawyer for matters requiring a Notary Public.

A “Commissioner for Oaths” is not a lawyer; rather, upon application they are appointed by the provincial government with specific and limited responsibilities  —  administering of oaths, taking and receiving of affidavits, declarations and affirmations in Alberta.   (Note:  If the document is meant for use outside of the province of Alberta it must be notarized by a lawyer, even if it would otherwise be within the accepted duties of a Commissioner for Oaths.)

Examples of documents that could require the services of the Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths include affidavits, sworn statements or statutory declarations of any kind, land title transfers, certification of true copies of documents, name change applications, letters of invitation for overseas visitors, proof of loss or other insurance related matters, confirmation of identity, and many more.  In most cases, your document will indicate what kind of services are required, but feel free to call our office to discuss your needs.

At Martinson & Harder, those providing these services are:

Notary Public  –  all lawyers

Commissioner for Oaths  –  all of the paralegal and administrative staff