Frequently Asked Questions

At minimum, valid government-issued photo ID (a driver's licence or passport) for every signer, along with the documents you need notarized or reviewed. For real estate matters, please also bring your mortgage or lending instructions and any correspondence from your lawyer, lender, or realtor. If you're unsure what's needed, mention your situation when booking and we'll send a checklist.

In British Columbia, notaries public are licensed to handle a defined range of non-contentious legal matters — including real estate conveyancing, wills, powers of attorney, and the notarization of documents — often at a lower cost and with a more direct, personal process than a full-service law firm. Matters involving disputes or litigation still require a lawyer, and we're happy to point you in the right direction if that's the case.

We primarily meet clients at our Surrey office, but we understand that isn't always possible. If mobility, distance, or scheduling is a concern, let us know when you reach out — we'll do our best to accommodate your situation.

Fees vary depending on the service — a single certified true copy costs less than a full real estate conveyance or a set of estate planning documents. We believe in transparent, upfront pricing: contact us with your specific needs and we'll provide a clear quote before any work begins.

Authentication (and, where applicable, an apostille) confirms that a Canadian document will be recognized as valid by a foreign government or institution. It's commonly required for documents used abroad, such as powers of attorney, corporate documents, or educational transcripts. We can advise whether your specific document requires this step.

In many cases, yes. Notarization typically confirms identity and witnesses a signature rather than certifying the content of the document itself, so foreign-language documents can often be notarized directly. If a certified translation is required by the receiving institution, let us know and we can advise on next steps.

Timelines depend on your lender, the other parties involved, and the complexity of the transaction, but most purchases, sales, and refinances are completed within a few weeks of receiving full instructions. We'll give you a realistic timeline specific to your file once we've reviewed the details.