Notarizations

We refer to notarizations as documents that clients sign wherein they solemnly declare or swear under oath that statements in the documents are true. Common documents that require notarization are for ICBC, pensions, probate applications, divorce affidavits and bank documents. The document must be filled in and the client must have read and understood the document. The notary public then identifies the client, by viewing valid, government issued photo identification like a driver’s license or BC Services card, and then the client solemnly declares or swears under oath that the statements are true and signs the document in front of the notary. Regrettably, the notaries at Fedewich & Witt can only read documents in English so if the document is written in another language, then we cannot notarize the document. Notarizations cannot be provided by video conference or DocuSign in BC.

Documents that are not statements of fact as described above are not notarizations. Documents wherein the client must receive legal advice before signing include, but are not limited to land title documents, mortgages, wills, powers of attorney, agreements, leases and contracts. These types of documents are all examples of documents that notaries must provide advice to clients about and keep a file for ten years along with our notes that show that we assessed the clients’ mental capacity, that the clients understood the documents, and the clients signed without undue influence. We provide these services, but they require longer appointments, and we charge a higher fee to review, give advice, sign as the notary and save the file. If you are unsure about what service is required for your documents, then we recommend that you call us and ask or email us the document so that we can confirm the process before you attend our office.

Any person may bring in an original document to have the notary make a notarized copy of the document. The notary office makes a photocopy of the document and then the notary places a stamp on the document which says that the notary has viewed the original document and that the photocopy is a true copy of the original document that does not appear to be altered in any way. If you require a color copy, then please make the color copy and bring that with you to the appointment as we don’t have a color copier.