An unexpected situation arises — a sudden hospitalization, a real estate transaction with a signing date fast approaching, a loved one who has not yet signed their protection mandate. In these moments, the first question that comes to mind is often: can you get an urgent appointment with a notary? The answer exists, but it deserves to be clarified.
What the Quebec Notarial System Actually Provides
Unlike what exists in France, there is no on-call notary in Quebec. No official mechanism designates a notary available outside of business hours to respond to emergency situations, as is the case for certain health professions or criminal law. That said, this does not mean a notarial firm is powerless when faced with an urgent request — it means rather that managing an emergency depends on the flexibility of each individual firm and on the nature of the situation.
Understanding this reality helps you direct your efforts more effectively from the outset, without losing time searching for a service that does not exist in this form in Quebec.
Which Situations May Justify an Expedited Appointment
Certain circumstances can indeed lead a firm to prioritize a file or arrange an appointment within a shorter timeframe. Among the most common:
Medical Emergency
When a person has been hospitalized or their health is deteriorating rapidly, it may become urgent to have a will, a power of attorney, or a protection mandate signed before the person loses the legal capacity to do so. In such cases, a notary can sometimes travel — to the hospital or to the person's home — depending on the circumstances and logistical feasibility.
Real Estate Transaction Under Time Pressure
A signing date set out in a purchase offer, an approaching financing deadline, or a refinancing file that needs to be wrapped up quickly: these situations happen. They do not constitute an emergency in the medical sense, but they do require a prompt response from the notarial firm. Some firms, including Groupe Synergie Notaires in Laval, reserve time slots to accommodate files with tight timelines.
Power of Attorney in an Urgent Situation
A person who must leave the country quickly, who cannot be present to sign important documents, or who needs to delegate powers within a very short timeframe may need a notarized power of attorney as soon as possible.
What to Prepare Before You Call
Contacting a firm in an urgent situation will be more effective if you have already gathered certain basic information:
- The full identity of the individuals involved and their government-issued identification
- The exact nature of the deed required (will, protection mandate, power of attorney, deed of sale, etc.)
- The actual deadline you are working with and the reason for it
- Any documentation already in hand (purchase offer, relevant medical documents, contact information for the parties involved)
The clearer the picture from the very first call, the more quickly the team can assess whether expedited handling is possible and under what conditions.
Planning Ahead Remains the Safest Approach
The majority of notarial emergencies could have been avoided. A protection mandate signed in time, a will drafted before one's health begins to decline, a power of attorney prepared before a trip: these deeds can be completed without pressure, with a clear head, and with the time needed to fully understand them.
Under Quebec law, certain deeds require that the person be legally capable of consenting at the time of signing. Waiting too long can make the process impossible — not for lack of goodwill, but because the legal conditions are no longer met. Me Petrulian will explain the details during your consultation.
The best way to avoid searching for an urgent appointment is to plan these steps during a calm period, with the perspective that comes from not being under pressure.
Consult Groupe Synergie Notaires
Are you facing an urgent situation and would like to know whether a prompt appointment is possible? Contact Groupe Synergie Notaires at (514) 399-1009 or at info@gsnotaires.com to assess your situation with Me Petrulian's team. The firm is located at 67 boulevard Samson, in Laval (Sainte-Dorothée), and also serves the greater Montréal area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a notary travel to the hospital in an emergency in Quebec?
Yes, in certain circumstances, a notary can travel to the hospital or to a person's home to have an urgent deed signed. Feasibility depends on the firm's availability and the specific situation — it is best to call directly to explore the possibilities.
How long does it take to get an urgent notarial appointment?
This varies depending on the nature of the deed, the firm's availability, and the complexity of the file. Some firms can accommodate a priority file within a matter of hours or days, provided the necessary information is available promptly.
Can a will be signed in an emergency if the person is in the hospital?
Yes, under Quebec law, a notarial will can be signed in a hospital provided the person is still legally capable of consenting at the time of signing. It is therefore important to contact a notary as early as possible in this type of situation.
The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. As every situation is unique, it is recommended that you consult a legal 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.