Who needs a notary?
Why would I need a notary?
Who are notary public?
And where can I find a notary public?
Who needs a notary?
Have you recently been told that you need to hire a notary, or have documents notarized in Manitoba, but you do not know what that means? A notary, or notary public, is a person authorized by the government to administer oaths, take legal statements, and authenticate legal documents. For example, notaries can take affidavits, affirmations, and declarations. They can also verify contracts, property deeds, and government forms.
Why would I need a notary?
The purpose of using a notary is to prevent fraud. When a notary administers an oath, takes a statement, or authenticates a document for you, they have several tasks. First, they must confirm your identity. Second, if you are signing a document, they must confirm that you know what is being signed. Third, they must confirm that you are doing this of your own free will.
How do you know when a document is notarized?
When authenticating legal documents, a notary will put their seal and signature on the document. A seal is an impression or stamp using ink or crimping. Michael Dyck’s notary stamp leaves an imprint instead of ink. This imprint and signature is how you know that the document has been verified by a notary and is “notarized.” However, when taking legal statements within Manitoba, the document does not need the notary’s seal and signature for the document to be valid. Once a document has the seal of a notary, it is presumed by law to have been signed by the people identified in the document. Certified copies under the seal of a notary are also presumed to be true and exact copies of the original document.
Who are notary public?
In Manitoba, some practicing lawyers are notaries. Non-lawyers may also be notaries, but they must renew their notarial commission every two years and cannot give legal advice.
What are some common documents that may need to be notarized?
Birth certificates
Marriage or divorce contracts
Proof of non-marriage
Powers of attorney
Invitation to visit
Degrees and student transcripts
Business contracts
Adoption papers
Property deeds
Contracts and commercial instruments
Protest notes
Bills of exchange
Foreign documents
Where can I find a notary public in Manitoba?
Michael Dyck is both a lawyer licenced to practice in Manitoba and a notary, so he can help you notarize documents at his head office in Winnipeg or his satellite office in Steinbach, Manitoba. Please use the contact form below to connect with Michael Dyck today.
Rees Dyck Rogala Law Offices are open during the coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic. We are taking precautions in order to limit the spread of the virus. We are conducting interviews and meetings by phone or video conference and ensuring enhanced cleaning and social distancing policies if clients must attend our office in person.
About the author
Michael Dyck is a partner at Rees Dyck Rogala Law Offices. He represents clients primarily from Winnipeg, Steinbach, and rural Manitoba. He has extensive experience helping people charged with criminal offences and focuses on building legal strategy with clients. To read more of his articles, please visit his partner's website TomRees.ca.