You have a notary appointment coming up in a few days — to sign a promise to purchase, finalize a will, or officialize a protection mandate. You know it matters, but you're not quite sure how to prepare. Here's the good news: asking the right questions before you sign completely changes the experience. This isn't an administrative formality — it's a conversation. And you have everything to gain from it.
Why Preparing Your Questions Makes All the Difference
A notarial consultation rarely lasts more than an hour. In that limited time, your notary must explain the deed, verify your understanding, and obtain your free and informed consent. Under Quebec law, a notarial act is an authentic act — which gives it considerable legal weight. What you sign has real, lasting consequences.
Coming in with prepared questions means arriving ready to understand, not just to sign off. It's also the best way to avoid regrets, misunderstandings, or costly corrective steps down the road. At GSN Notaires in Laval, Me Petrulian's team actively encourages this proactive approach from the moment you book your appointment.
Questions to Ask About Your File and the Process
Before You Even Sign
Regardless of the nature of the act — real estate purchase, will, gift, or protection mandate — certain questions are always worth asking upfront:
- What documents do I need to bring to the appointment? An incomplete list can delay the signing or invalidate certain steps in the process.
- What are the timelines involved in my file? Some real estate transactions in Laval involve conditions precedent (financing, inspection) with deadlines that must be met precisely.
- Are there any steps after signing that I need to handle myself? The registration of a deed, the updating of a registry, or the notification of a third party may fall to the signatory.
About the Content of the Act Itself
Don't let any clause remain unclear to you. Here are a few simple but powerful questions to ask:
- Can you explain this clause to me in plain language?
- What are my concrete obligations once I've signed?
- Are there any conditions that could affect the scope of this act after signing?
Your notary in Sainte-Dorothée is there precisely to ensure you understand what you're agreeing to — not simply to apply an official seal.
Often Overlooked, But Essential Questions
About Additional Costs
Many people leave a consultation having forgotten to ask:
- Are there any additional fees related to my file that I'm not yet aware of? Welcome tax, land registry registration fees, various disbursements — these elements all affect your overall budget.
- Are these costs included in what I've already agreed to, or are they on top of that?
About Post-Signing Follow-Up
Signing isn't always the final step. Consider asking:
- Will I receive a copy of the signed act, and within what timeframe?
- If something changes after the signing, how should I reach you?
- Is there any follow-up planned on your end in the weeks after?
These straightforward questions prevent a great deal of ambiguity, especially in complex files involving multiple parties or properties located in different regions of Quebec.
Tailoring Your Questions to Your Personal Situation
Every file is unique. Someone signing on their own has different concerns than a co-owning couple, a parent preparing a protection mandate, or a first-time homebuyer completing their first real estate transaction in Laval. Don't hesitate to ask about:
- What is specific to your profile or your family situation
- The protections built into the act in the event of an unforeseen circumstance
- What you can do if questions or concerns arise after the meeting
Me Petrulian will walk you through the details during your consultation, taking your full situation into account — not just the purely technical aspects.
Contact Groupe Synergie Notaires
Preparing your questions is a sign of respect for your own commitments. And your notary is there to answer them — clearly and without rushing you.
Before your next appointment, reach out to the GSN Notaires team in Laval at (514) 399-1009 or email us at info@gsnotaires.com — Me Petrulian and her team take the time to address all your questions, both before and during your consultation.
Groupe Synergie Notaires Inc. 67 Boulevard Samson, Laval (Sainte-Dorothée), QC H7X 3E6
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.