Notary Public Commission Services in Calgary

NOTARIZATION AND COMMISSIONING ATTORNEYS IN CALGARY, ALBERTA

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What Is Notarization? How Does It Work?

Notarization is the official act of witnessing with an authoritative statement that a signature on a legal document is true and free of any fraud. The act of notarization holds the person who witnesses the signing with an authoritative statement responsible for their actions, assuring that they have observed the signing legitimately and will not leave until it is completed.

A notary public is a person who witnesses the signing of important documents and attests to the fact that it happened (by stamping or sealing the document). A notary public accomplishes this by relying on their own personal knowledge of the individual(s), their practices, and strict protocols to ensure they can be trusted as an impartial witness.

Areas Of Notarization

STATUTORY DECLARATIONS

Completed correctly, statutory declarations can be used for many purposes including, but not limited to:

1. Personal use (e.g., change of name or marital status)
2. Business (e.g., lost receipts for business expenses)
3. Legal matters (e.g., evidence in court)

However, making a statutory declaration is not as easy as it sounds. At the very least, a statutory document should contain the following:

1. The full name and address of the person who made the declaration (i.e., you).
2. Your signature.
3. The date on which it was signed and witnessed by a notary public or Commissioner of Oaths. Note: we will provide a witness for witnessing purposes.
4. A statement that the details contained in the declaration are to the best of your knowledge, information and belief true.
5. A statement that the declarant will take full responsibility if someone suffers loss or injury because what they say is not true or details are omitted or wrong.

You must declare that you have firsthand knowledge of the facts provided in the statutory declaration when you sign it, and if you don’t, you must state so. In a statutory declaration, you cannot make a false assertion. Our staff is qualified to guide you through the process of completing your statutory declaration, ensuring that the result will be recognized by the government authorities or businesses who require it. For all of our clients, we have the knowledge and expertise to obtain actual, legal results.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

In Alberta, a Power of Attorney is a written legal document that gives someone else the authority to make specific decisions on your behalf.

Types of Powers of Attorney

1. Property: Lets someone manage financial affairs for you if you’re unable to do so yourself. For example, this type of power can be used if you have had an accident or are seriously ill.
2. Personal Care: Lets someone manage your personal care matters if you’re unable to do so yourself. For example, this type of power can be used to make sure your food and medication preferences are being respected after an accident.
3. Medical Treatment: Lets someone assist in making decisions about medical treatment for you if you’re unable to do so yourself. For example, this type of power can be used if you have had an accident or are seriously ill.

Personal and Property Maintenance: The most common types of powers utilized in Alberta are powers of attorney. A Property Power of Attorney appoints someone to manage your finances if you are unable to do so for whatever reason. For example, if you have been in a catastrophic accident or illness and are unable to manage your finances until you recuperate, this might be really beneficial.

A Personal Care Power of Attorney lets someone look after your personal care needs if you are unable to do so yourself. For example, this type of power could be used to ensure that your food and medication preferences are respected if you’re in the hospital because of an accident.

We offer a full range of services related to Powers of Attorney:

1. Preparing the statutory declaration (Affidavit) for an application for a Property or Personal Care Power of Attorney.
2. Preparing and filing the actual power document with the Alberta Public Guardian and Trustee.
3. Obtaining approval of the Power of Attorney document from the Court.
4. Revoking a Power of Attorney document.

When a Power of Attorney goes into effect:
Once a power is established, it does not take immediate effect unless you have been specifically authorized by your principal to do so.

1. A Property or Personal Care Power of Attorney takes effect as soon as your principal becomes mentally incapable of managing their own affairs.
2. A Medical Treatment Power of Attorney does not take effect unless your principal becomes physically or mentally incapable of making their own medical decisions.

You are responsible for caring after your principal’s property and affairs after the power takes effect, according to the authority granted to you in the document.

If your principal has not specifically authorized someone to take over their affairs when they become incapacitated, you will need to petition to the Court for an order that the power document be acknowledged by the Court.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about Powers of Attorney or how we can assist you.

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS SERVICES

We also offer a complete range of services related to Immigration documents. These include:

1. Preparing Statutory Declarations as part of an application for any status in Canada.
2. Drafting and filing documents as necessary with the federal or provincial government.
3. Obtaining approvals from the appropriate government department(s).
4. Reviewing all the paperwork that the agent has submitted.

We can also provide you with a complete range of services related to preparing, completing and filing Immigration documents, such as:

1. Permanent Resident Card Renewal Packages
2. Working Permit Renewal Packages
3. Study Permits Renewal Packages
4. Visitor Records/Visas Renewal Packages
5. Temporary Resident Visas Applications.

We are committed to helping you with all your Immigration documents at an affordable price.

TRAVEL CONSENTS AND AGREEMENTS

Travel Consents and Agreements provide individuals with the legal authority to travel (e.g. for work, vacation or family matters) while ensuring that their best interests are protected in the event of an emergency.

Types of Travel Consent

1. An Emergency Travel Consent provides a person with the legal authority to act on your behalf in an emergency situation where you become incapacitated.
2. A Minor Travel Consent authorizes a person to travel with minors (individuals under the age of 18).
3. A Temporary Travel Consent provides people who are not immediate family members with the legal authority to act on your behalf for one-time or short-term trips.

The person for whom the document was written and who will act on your behalf is known as an Agent. A Power of Attorney can also be a “Joint” power between two people, which means that both parties have the right to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself.

Whether you’re signing a Travel Consent for yourself, a loved one, or a child, you can be assured that we’ll go above and beyond to make sure it’s done correctly.

COMMISSION AFFIDAVITS AND LEGALIZATION

Affidavit commissioning is a big element of what we do. They frequently grant individuals and businesses the authority they need to conduct business in Alberta. We provide notarization services for any documents outside of Alberta, including documents from other countries.

When it comes to preparing applications for legalization and authentication of documents, we deliver great service to our clients (e.g. provide customized text, seal, and tax stamp).

We will also complete the application process with the appropriate government department(s).

WITNESS SIGNATURES SERVICES

At our office, we offer a variety of Witness Signatures services to clients from all walks of life.

Whether you require a notary to witness the signing of a legal document or a Commissioner for Oaths who can provide an oath and guarantee your signature, we are here for you.

Types of Documents that may require a Witness Signature:

1. Powers of Attorney
2. Statutory Declarations
3. Affidavits
4. Oaths and Affirmations
5. Letters of Invitation

We understand that you need to get the job done right. With our years of experience in legal matters, we can guarantee that your witness signature is looked after carefully.

WE’LL CERTIFY THAT A DOCUMENT IS A TRUE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL

We give great service and peace of mind when you need a document certified as a faithful duplicate of the original. Our knowledgeable staff will guarantee that the process is completed correctly, whether it’s an employment record such as a reference letter or grades from your academic institution.

We are dedicated to assisting you with all of your Document Certification requirements at a reasonable cost. Get the Notarization and Commissioning Process Right the First Time! When it comes to your personal and/or professional life, we understand that accuracy is critical.

Our staff provides quality legal services at an accessible price, whether you require a Notary or a Commissioner for Oaths. Contact us today to find out more about our services.

Notarization And Commissioning Attorneys In Calgary

Please reach us at info@lawsnbeyond.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How to get a document notarized?

An Alberta notary public can sign and seal your document. Alternately, the notary can also prepare a separate certificate (sign it and attach it to your document).When signing your document, the notary must:

1. have a valid certificate of notary appointment
2. handwrite their signature in ink
3. apply a stamp or seal showing their full name as it appears on their certificate of appointment and the Canadian province in which they have been appointed
4. indicate the act they performed (e.g. certifying a true copy)
5. indicate the date on which they notarized the document

What is the difference between notary public and commissioner of oaths?

In Alberta, a Commissioner of Oaths can endorse affidavits and administer oaths. These legal documents and agreements are only valid for use in Alberta.

Whereas, the Notary Publics have all the powers of the commissioner of oaths and as well as can administer documents outside of Alberta. Notary Publlics can witness, certify and attest business documents, contracts, and property deeds. All lawyers in Alberta are Notary Publics

How much does it cost for notarization and commissioning of a document?

We charge the following rates for notarization and commissioning:

First page: $40+GST

Additional pages: $10+GST

What is the difference between a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths?

A Commissioner for Oaths is authorized to witness signatures on legal documents (like affidavits and statutory declarations) specifically for use within the province of Alberta. A Notary Public has broader powers, including the authority to certify true copies of original documents and witness signatures on documents that will be used outside of Alberta or internationally.

What types of documents can Laws & Beyond notarize?

The firm can notarize or commission a wide variety of documents, including:

Affidavits and Statutory Declarations.
Travel Consent Letters for minors.
Letters of Invitation for Canadian visas.
Certified True Copies of original documents (passports, degrees, etc.).
Guarantees

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

You must bring at least one piece of valid, government-issued photo identification (such as a Passport or Driver’s License) to verify your identity. You should also bring the complete document that needs to be signed, ensuring it is filled out but not yet signed.

Can I sign my document before I arrive at the office?

No. For a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths to legally witness your signature, you must sign the document in their presence. If you have already signed it, you will likely be asked to sign it again in front of the official.

What is a "Certified True Copy"?

A Certified True Copy is a photocopy of an original document that a Notary Public has verified as being an exact and accurate reproduction of the original. You must bring the original document to the office so the Notary can compare it to the copy.

Does Laws & Beyond provide "Travel Consent Letters"?

Yes. If a child is traveling internationally with only one parent or a guardian, a notarized Travel Consent Letter is often required by border officials to prevent international child abduction. The firm can help draft or notarize these letters.

Can the firm help with "Letters of Invitation" for visitors to Canada?

Yes. When someone applies for a visitor visa to Canada, they often need a Letter of Invitation from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Laws & Beyond can notarize these letters to confirm the identity and sincerity of the host.

What is a Statutory Declaration?

A Statutory Declaration is a written statement of facts that a person signs and declares to be true before a Notary or Commissioner. It has the same legal weight as an oath made in court. These are often used for insurance claims, name changes, or lost ID applications.

Are the Notary services at Laws & Beyond recognized internationally?

Yes. Because the Notaries at Laws & Beyond are recognized legal professionals in Alberta, their seal and signature are generally accepted for international use. However, some countries may also require “Authentication and Apostille” from the provincial government, which the firm can advise you on.

Do I need an appointment for Notary services?

While some firms may allow walk-ins, it is highly recommended to book an appointment at Laws & Beyond to ensure a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths is available to assist you immediately and reduce wait times.

Can a Notary Public give me legal advice on the document I am signing?

While the lawyers at Laws & Beyond are qualified to provide legal advice, a standard notary appointment is strictly for the purpose of witnessing a signature or certifying a copy. If you require a review of the document’s legal implications, you should request a legal consultation rather than a simple notary service.