Signing a notarial act is a significant commitment. For that commitment to be valid and genuine, you need to fully understand what you are signing — in a language you truly command. For anglophone and allophone residents of the Greater Montreal area, this is far from a trivial concern.
Understanding, Not Just Reading
There is a real difference between reading a document and grasping its full implications. An anglophone buyer may go through a translated copy of their deed of sale, yet if the nuances of Quebec law are not explained to them in their own language, gaps in understanding can remain — without them even realizing it.
Under Quebec law, a notary is required to ensure that all parties understand the nature and scope of the acts they are signing. This is not an administrative formality: it is the foundation of informed consent. A bilingual notary can fulfill this obligation directly, without an intermediary, in the client's own language.
This is not a matter of comfort. It is a condition for the validity of the act itself.
How Bilingualism Changes the Dynamic of a Meeting
During a Real Estate Purchase
Signing a deed of sale involves explanations of title, mortgage obligations, conditions set out in the offer to purchase, and the responsibilities of each party. When the buyer is anglophone and the notary communicates in their language, questions arise more naturally, hesitations are voiced more easily, and any last-minute adjustments are handled without delay.
When Drafting a Will
A will reflects personal wishes that can sometimes be complex. Being able to express your intentions in your first language — and have them accurately transposed into a notarial act by a bilingual professional — ensures that nothing is lost in interpretation. Me Mirabela Petrulian will walk you through the details during your consultation, based on your specific situation and wishes.
For a Protection Mandate
A protection mandate — the act by which you designate the person who will manage your affairs should you become incapacitated — requires careful personal reflection. For someone whose primary language is not French, navigating this process alone can create real uncertainty. Having access to a notary who asks the right questions and explains the implications in a language you fully understand makes a meaningful difference in the quality of the work accomplished.
The Case of Mixed-Language Families
Many households in Laval and the surrounding region operate in two languages on a daily basis. A couple where one partner is francophone and the other is anglophone faces a particular challenge during a transaction or joint estate planning: both individuals need to equally understand what is taking place, ask their own questions, and sign with full knowledge.
A bilingual notary can speak to each person in their respective language within the same meeting, so that neither party has to rely on the other's understanding. It is a straightforward dynamic, but it has a direct impact on the quality of each person's consent.
What Bilingualism Does Not Replace
It is worth clarifying that working with a bilingual notary does not mean that notarial acts are drafted in English. In Quebec, notarial acts are drawn up in French. Bilingualism comes into play in verbal communication — in the explanations provided before and during signing, and in the notary's availability to answer questions in the client's language.
It is in that space — between the legal text and genuine human understanding — that bilingualism carries its full meaning.
Contact Groupe Synergie Notaires
Groupe Synergie Notaires provides notarial services in both French and English. Me Mirabela Petrulian works with clients in both languages, whether for a real estate transaction, the drafting of a will, or the preparation of a protection mandate.
To book an appointment or ask an initial question, contact the firm at (514) 399-1009 or at info@gsnotaires.com. Groupe Synergie Notaires is located at 67 boulevard Samson in Laval (Sainte-Dorothée).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary in Quebec serve me in English?
Yes, some Quebec notaries offer their services in English on an oral basis, even though notarial acts are drafted in French as required by law. It is advisable to confirm this availability directly with the firm before your appointment.
Can my will be written in English in Quebec?
In Quebec, a notarial act — including a notarial will — is generally drafted in French; however, a bilingual notary can explain each provision to you in your own language to ensure your wishes are fully understood and faithfully reflected in the document.
What happens during a signing appointment when one of the buyers does not speak French?
The bilingual notary explains the content of the act in the client's language prior to signing, so that each party fully understands their rights and obligations; for any specific situation, a preliminary consultation can help clarify the process before your appointment.
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As each situation is unique, it is recommended that you consult a professional to obtain advice tailored to your particular situation.