For many people, meeting with a notary for the first time brings a certain unease. You may not know what to expect, what to bring, or how long it will take. In practice, a notarial appointment feels more like a structured conversation than a formal procedure. Here is what you can realistically expect.
Before the Appointment: What to Prepare
Documents to Gather
The type of file determines which documents are required, but a few things are almost always needed: government-issued photo identification, and basic information relevant to your situation (full contact details, social insurance number where applicable, and information about any other parties involved).
For a real estate transaction, you should have the accepted promise to purchase on hand, along with the contact information for your real estate broker and mortgage lender if applicable. For a will or protection mandate, it helps to write down in advance the names and contact details of the people you wish to designate — liquidator, mandatary, heirs. For a family transaction or a gift, title deeds and other relevant documents may be requested.
The notarial office will generally send you a precise list before your appointment. Simply follow it.
Questions to Prepare in Advance
Arriving with written questions — even if they feel basic or imprecisely worded — is always helpful. Notaries are accustomed to rephrasing, clarifying, and adjusting their language accordingly. No question is too simple.
During the Appointment: What Actually Happens
The Welcome and Information Review
The meeting typically begins with a review of your personal information: identity, civil status, and contact details. This is a legal requirement, but it unfolds naturally — much like updating a file.
The notary then walks through the document or documents to be signed. They cover the key clauses, make sure you understand what you are signing, and answer questions as they come up. Under Quebec law, a notarial act is an authentic document — a status that requires the notary to personally verify your informed consent before any signature takes place. This step takes as long as it needs to.
The Signing
The signing only takes place once everything has been understood and accepted. There is no rush. If something is unclear, you can ask for further explanation. The notary's role is not to hurry you along, but to ensure that you are signing with full knowledge of what you are agreeing to.
The length of an appointment depends on the complexity of the file. A real estate transaction generally takes between one hour and one hour and a half. A straightforward will can be completed in less time. What matters is that you leave without any unanswered questions.
After the Signing: What Comes Next
Once the documents are signed, the notary handles the administrative steps that follow: publication of the act in the Land Register where required, delivery of certified copies to the relevant parties, and deposit of funds in trust where applicable. You receive a copy of your act — original or certified depending on the type of document.
For a will or protection mandate, the act is registered with the Register of Testamentary Dispositions and Mandates held by the Chambre des notaires du Québec. This is handled by the notarial office on your behalf, with no further action required from you.
Approaching the Appointment Without Stress
A notarial appointment is not a test. No one expects you to know legal terminology. The notary adjusts their language, explains concepts as needed, and guides you through an understanding of what you are signing. The goal is for you to leave confident that you have made an informed decision.
In Laval and elsewhere, people who visit a notary for the first time often leave pleasantly surprised by how clear and straightforward the exchange was. The formality of the document does not mean the meeting itself has to feel that way.
Contact Groupe Synergie Notaires
To book an appointment with Me Mirabela Petrulian, contact Groupe Synergie Notaires at (514) 399-1009 or by email at info@gsnotaires.com. The office is located at 67 boulevard Samson in Laval (Sainte-Dorothée). The team will let you know exactly which documents to prepare based on your situation before your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring to my first notarial appointment?
Government-issued photo identification is always required. Depending on the type of file, the notarial office will send you a precise list of documents to gather before the appointment.
How long does a notarial appointment take?
The length varies depending on the nature of the file. A real estate transaction generally takes between one hour and one hour and a half, while a straightforward will can be completed more quickly.
Can I ask questions during the signing at the notary?
Yes — and it is actively encouraged. The notary ensures you understand each document before you sign, and will take the time to re-explain anything that is unclear.
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.