1. What is a Notary Public?

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A Notary Public can serve as an official witness to the execution (signing) of any document and attest to the fact that the signature is that of the person named in the document (identity corroboration). But, a Notary Public does not read through or evaluate documents before they are signed and cannot verify the truth or contents of them. A Notary Public also certifies copies of original documents as being true copies. However, does not certify that original documents are legitimate. It is up to the clients to ensure that the document is correct. A Notary Public is authorized to sign and seal documents that can be used within Canada (in Manitoba and other Provinces) as well as worldwide.

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2. What is a Mobile Notary Public?

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A Mobile Notary Public is a notary public service that conveniently comes to you. Instead of having a physical office, a Mobile Notary Public comes to any location such as your home, place of work, schools, residential and disability homes, hospitals or any other place that you may need. It is a good way for you to save time.

  

3. What is the difference between a Notary Public and a Commissioner by Oaths?

 

A Commissioner by Oaths can take or receive the oath or affirmation from a person who is signing an affidavit or statutory declaration. The documents must be Manitoba documents, staying in Manitoba. A Commissioner by Oaths cannot certify or verify documents (they cannot make a photocopy of an original document and state that it is a true copy of the original). Unlike commissioners for oaths, notaries can witness documents that are sent worldwide.

 

4. Does Mrs. Alicia Laufer have her signature registered?

 

Yes. Mrs. Laufer’s seal and signature are registered with the Companies Office of Manitoba located at 1034-405 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 3L6.

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5. How can I be certain that Laufer Notary's services are provided by a qualified individual?

 

Laufer Mobile Notary’s services are provided by Mrs. Alicia C. Laufer, a bilingual lawyer (English-Spanish) who is a member of the Law Society of Manitoba (LSM) since 2014. Currently she has a non-practising status as a lawyer, as she is only focusing on her business as a Notary. Mrs. Laufer’s registration as a member of the LSM can be verified by searching the LSM’s website: 

http://www.lawsociety.mb.ca/lawyer-lookup.

 

Please note that Laufer Notary does not provide legal advice nor does it draft documents on behalf of clients.

 

Mrs. Laufer is, by virtue of office, a commissioner for taking affidavits in and for the courts in Manitoba. She has also been appointed to be a Notary Public for the Province of Manitoba since October 2014. 

 

6. What do I need to bring and/or have ready for my appointment?

 

For all services, you will need to have a valid government-issued identification (e.g. a passport, driver's licence, Canadian citizenship card, permanent resident card, etc.). In all cases, your identification documents must allow to verify your name, date of birth, current address, signature and likeness (photo). Your photo must always appear on at least one piece of valid government-issued identification.

 

For certified true copies of documents, you must bring the original documents and the copies needed to be certified. Also, please verify with the requesting institution prior to the appointment to see if they have specific requirements with respect to the certification of copies (e.g. notarial certificates, colour copies, multi-page documents, etc.).

 

For the notarization of signatures on documents, affidavits, statutory declarations, please ensure that all documents are completed prior to the appointment. However DO NOT sign or date your documents until you are before Mrs. Laufer. If you require a witness, please have one ready for the appointment with a piece of valid government-issued identification. Laufer Notary does not provide witnesses.

 

7. Does Laufer Notary have an office location? 

 

No, Mrs. Laufer only provides mobile services. She can meet clients at any location of their choice in Winnipeg and surrounding communities in Manitoba, subject to additional charges.

 

8. Does Mrs. Alicia C. Laufer guarantee her work?

 

Yes, she does guarantee her work. If there are any problems with her certifications, notarizations or commissions, she will redo the documents free of charge. However, clients are responsible for ensuring that they use the correct forms, are familiar with the forms’ requirements and complete them properly (i.e., anything incorrect outside of notarization falls outside of Mrs. Alicia C Laufer’s purview). Laufer Notary does not accept liability for clients who fail to do this.

If there are any problems with her notarizations, certifications, or commissions as a result of errors made by clients, she will redo them for a reduced fee, if the initial fee was already paid in full.

 

9. Does Laufer Notary provide legal advice or draft documents?

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No, Mrs. Laufer does not provide legal advice nor does she draft any documents on behalf of her clients. She only provides notary public and commissioner for taking affidavits and statutory declarations services. No solicitor-client relationship is established by virtue of the delivery of these services. The clients are always responsible for reviewing the contents of their documents and seeking guidance from legal counsel concerning their specific legal matters. If you require legal advice, you cannot consult Mrs. Laufer due to her non-practising status at the Law Society of Manitoba. It is forbidden for Mrs. Laufer to provide any legal advice.

 

10. Is Canada a member of the Hague Convention (Apostille)?

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Yes. The Apostille Convention entered into force in Canada on January 11, 2024. The Convention abolishes the traditional authentication certificate with a single Apostille certificate issued by the Competent Authority. Hence, public documents with Apostille Certificates are accepted in different countries without the need for authentication by Consulates. We advise you to contact the consulate of the country that the document will be used, to be sure about the present process.

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11. Where to send your documents for the Apostille?

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Global Affairs Canada (GAC). For more information, you may visit the following link:
https://www.international.gc.ca/gac-amc/about-a_propos/services/authentication-authentification/step-etape-1.aspx?lang=eng

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For Inquiries, you may also email:  apostille@international.gc.ca 

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12. What happens with Documents going to a non-Apostille Country?

Contact your country of destination to determine their specific requirements. 

Do they need:

1. an Apostille from the Global Affairs Canada and legalization of that Apostille from the consulate?, or
2. that the documents go directly to their consulate? 

Each country has different procedures, rules and regulations.
 

13. Does Laufer Notary provide the Apostille Legalization?

 

No. This procedure must be done by the clients, in order to receive their documents back to their own addresses. Mrs. Alicia C. Laufer cannot do this on behalf of her clients.