In BC, a notary public is a professional who is authorized to witness and certify documents, administer oaths and affirmations, and perform other functions depending on the jurisdiction.
Tips & Links
A person with a health condition might need the services of a notary to legally sign documents such as powers of attorney, representation agreement, advance care directives, or wills, ensuring their wishes are properly recorded and recognized.
Learn More
- Notaries are appointed by the provincial government and must adhere to specific regulations and guidelines outlined in the Notaries Act.
- Locate a notary in your home community through the Society Notaries Public of BC.
- Learn about the roles and responsibilities of a notary in authenticating documents such as a power of attorney and a will from the Government of BC.
- The notarized document must be signed, dated, and sealed by a B.C. Notary Public (B.C. lawyer or B.C. non-lawyer). Learn more about notaries from the Society of Notaries Public of BC.
Things You Can Do
- Ensure that when seeking legal advice from a notary or a lawyer, you are aware of their credentials and experience, understand their fees, and feel listened to and comfortable with their advice and direction.
- Learn about a representation agreement and the forms required to make your choices and decisions legal from the Government of BC.
- Know that your Power of Attorney (POA) should name someone you trust in helping with financial, legal, and health care decisions. An “enduring’ power of attorney continues even when you are unable to make decisions on your own behalf.
- Learn about the role of an enduring power of attorney for your financial matters from the Government of Canada.
- Get some of your questions answered about wills by Nidus.ca.
- Learn about wills and estate planning from the Government of BC.
- Make sure you have a signed copy of your will, and ensure your executor knows its location and is informed of any changes or updates.