FAQs Archive | Page 3 of 3 | KC Notary & Co.

Q: Is my presence required for a Notary to witness my signature?

For a document to be witnessed, there must be evidence that the individual referenced in the document was present and showed identification to confirm their identity. As a result, you need to sign in the presence of the Notary.

Q: A SEPARATION AGREEMENT, COMMERCIAL LEASE, and PROMISSOR NOTES, can be witnessed by a notary

A family lawyer should be present when the parties sign such an agreement and seek legal advice on their own. As the BC Notary Act doesn’t give us such a power to practice family law, so our office will not be able to witness such document. For COMMERCIAL LEASE or PROMISSOR NOTES, our signatures do not add any additional legal effect/weight to the documents, as they may also be properly executed before a regular witness (who can be your friend or neighbour).

Q: Can I have things notarized without an appointment?

If our office can handle an unforeseen notarial, we will, however it is highly advised that you make reservations in advance to guarantee fast service.

Q: I have to schedule a meeting for a deal that closes next month?

While we strongly encourage all clients to contact us in advance of their closing date to touch base and confirm any details required for closing, we cannot schedule an appointment until we have received all documentation needed from various outside sources.

Q: Notary’s job is easy! All it needs to do is stamp and seal my document, which will only take 5 minutes!

A notary is responsible for making sure the person signing and verify his or her identity by checking their IDs. The notary does not guarantee or validate the documents as we are only trained and specialize in BC Real Estate Law, Property Law, and Estate Planning legal documents.

Q: A lawyer’s signature carries more legal weight than a notary’s signature

A notary has the same legal power as a lawyer for transferring real properties. You choose based on what you need. It’s like going to a heart doctor for heart problems and a dentist for dental-care. If you need to file a lawsuit, a lawyer is the right choice. One is not better than the other—they just have different professional specialties.