Some notarial steps cannot wait — and sometimes, it is the travel itself that is the problem. A person in hospital, a loved one in a care facility, a senior with reduced mobility: these are all situations where important documents still need to be signed, and where waiting until one can come to the office is not a realistic option. A notary travelling to the home or to a facility exists precisely for these circumstances.
What a Notary Can Authenticate Outside the Office
A notary can travel to receive a variety of deeds, depending on the situation of the person involved. Among the most common: the notarial will, the protection mandate (also known as a mandate in case of incapacity), the power of attorney, and certain deeds related to real estate transactions. The nature of the deed to be signed and the condition of the person determine the type of meeting to be planned.
The visit can take place at the person's private residence, in a seniors' residence, in a CHSLD, in a hospital, or in any other healthcare facility. Geographic location is not an obstacle in itself, whether in Laval or in the surrounding North Shore area.
The Legal Value of the Deed Remains Intact
This is a point that many people are unaware of: under Quebec law, a notarial deed signed outside the office retains the same probative force as a deed signed at the notary's office. Travelling does not diminish the value or validity of the document in any way. The notary applies the same professional requirements, whether receiving clients at the office or in a hospital room.
The Practical Conditions for a Meeting Outside the Office
For the visit to proceed efficiently, advance preparation is necessary — on the part of both the notary and the person or their family.
What Needs to Be Arranged in Advance
The person will need to be able to present valid identification. If the deed involves multiple signatories, their simultaneous presence must be coordinated. In some cases, the presence of a third party — a loved one, a legal representative, or a member of the care staff — may be required or advisable, particularly to attest to certain conditions surrounding the signing.
It is also helpful to gather all relevant documents in advance: information about the property or assets involved, contact details for the persons named in the deed (mandatary, liquidator, beneficiary, etc.), as well as any medical or administrative documents the notary may request depending on the nature of the matter.
Anticipating the Capacity to Sign
In contexts of illness or loss of autonomy, the legal capacity of the person to sign is a serious matter. The notary assesses this capacity personally during the meeting. Me Petrulian will explain the details of this assessment during your consultation, but it is important to know that this step cannot be bypassed, regardless of the urgency felt by those close to the person.
The Limits of Mobile Services
Travelling to a home or facility is an option, not a systematic formula. Some situations are better served by a consultation at the office: complex matters requiring real-time access to multiple registries, real estate transactions involving a large number of documents to coordinate, or deeds involving several parties whose simultaneous presence is difficult to arrange outside the office.
An initial phone conversation with the firm generally makes it possible to determine whether travelling is appropriate for the situation, or whether another approach would be more suitable. The objective is to find the way of proceeding that truly serves the interests of the person involved — not simply the most logistically convenient one.
Contact Groupe Synergie Notaires
To arrange a meeting at home or in a healthcare facility, contact Groupe Synergie Notaires at (514) 399-1009 or at info@gsnotaires.com. Me Petrulian and her team will work with you to determine the best course of action for your situation — whether it involves a will, a protection mandate, or any other deed that cannot wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a will signed at home with a notary just as valid as one signed at the office?
Yes, under Quebec law, a notarial deed signed outside the office has exactly the same legal value as a deed signed at the notary's office. The location of signing does not affect the validity of the document.
Can a notary travel to a hospital or a CHSLD to have a protection mandate signed?
Yes, a notary can go to a healthcare facility to receive this type of deed, provided that certain conditions are met — in particular, that the person is able to sign and to understand the nature of the deed. A prior consultation with the firm allows the visit to be prepared appropriately.
How do I contact a mobile notary serving Laval and the North Shore?
Simply contact a notarial firm offering this service directly, explain the situation, and determine whether a visit is possible and appropriate. Groupe Synergie Notaires can be reached at (514) 399-1009 or at info@gsnotaires.com.
This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As every situation is unique, it is recommended that you consult a professional to obtain advice tailored to your particular circumstances.
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.