General Law

A commissioner of oaths can witness the signing of affidavits and take sworn statements, while a notary public can additionally certify true copies of documents and notarize documents intended for use outside Canada. In Ontario, many lawyers are authorized to perform both functions. Mann Law provides notarization and document commissioning services from its Mississauga office.

Bring the original document that requires notarization, together with the identification and supporting documents required for your matter. Where a signature must be witnessed, the document should generally remain unsigned until you are in front of the notary. Mann Law recommends contacting the office in advance where the document also needs to be drafted, such as an affidavit, statutory declaration, or power of attorney. For straightforward notarizations, clients can confirm with the office what identification and supporting material should be brought to the appointment.

Documents intended for use in another country may require additional confirmation that the signature, seal, or authority of the person who notarized the document is genuine. Depending on the destination and type of document, this may involve an authentication, apostille, or legalization process after notarization. Mann Law can assist with preparing documents in the appropriate form and can advise on the steps that may be required for the jurisdiction where the document will ultimately be used.

An affidavit is a written statement of facts that is sworn or affirmed and is commonly used in court or other legal proceedings. A statutory declaration is also a formal written declaration of facts, but it is often used for administrative, government, licensing, immigration, or other non-court purposes. The correct document depends on the requirements of the organization or authority receiving it. Mann Law drafts and commissions affidavits and statutory declarations based on the particular purpose for which the document is required.

A legal opinion letter is a formal written assessment from a lawyer addressing a specific legal question. An opinion may be requested by a bank, government authority, business counterparty, regulator, or other institution before it will proceed with a transaction or application. The subject can include matters such as the validity or effect of a contract, a corporate transaction, an immigration issue, or recognition of a foreign legal document. Mann Law prepares legal opinions across a range of practice areas, including opinions concerning the recognition of foreign divorces where such an opinion is required.

A lawyer can prepare a power of attorney as part of general legal document services where the client's needs are relatively straightforward. More complex estate, incapacity, tax, or succession planning may require broader estate-planning advice depending on the circumstances. Mann Law prepares powers of attorney and other customized legal documents, including agreements, contracts, leases, and employment-related documents as part of its general legal services.