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Many people do not realize that lawyers are also notaries, or do not know the difference between lawyers and notaries.

Lawyers are notaries. The training that lawyers undertake is dramatically larger than that taken by notaries, with the result that when lawyers earn an LlB, they also earn the right to do all notarial work.

The converse is not true. Notaries are limited to notarial functions and no more, as prescribed by legislation. Given that notaries are not trained as a lawyer or to offer any kind of legal advice, they are to do simple transactions and witness documents.

These differences become particularly important in real estate transactions. Both lawyers and notaries are authorized to handle simple transactions. More complex transactions must be handled by a lawyer. However, even when the transaction is simple, having a lawyer perform the work gives you a significant advantage. Without any difference in the cost of handling the simple transaction, you have the additional advantage of knowing that legal services are available if the need arises. To avoid any unexpected expense on the client's part, we will not activate those legal services unless the need arises, you ask us to do so, and we confirm that to you in writing.