At Harmony Law, we provide professional Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths services to clients in Okotoks, Calgary, and throughout Southern Alberta.
Whether you are needing an agent for your out of province/country real estate lawyer to sign and finalize your real estate transaction, need something commissioned, need validation, are executing a statutory declaration, require a Certified True Copy of an original document or have other paperwork, our team ensures your need is handled with legal precision and strict compliance.
Properly executed paperwork is the backbone of any successful legal or business transaction. Our goal is to provide a seamless process that gives you confidence that your official documents are legally validated and ready for their intended jurisdiction.
Have questions or need trusted legal guidance?
Contact Harmony Law today to schedule your confidential consultation. Our team is ready to provide clear advice, practical solutions, and dedicated support to help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Contacting us does not create a lawyer‑client relationship. We are required to conduct a conflict check and ensure we can provide the appropriate legal support.
What is the Difference Between a Notary and a Commissioner?
Commissioner for Oaths
A Commissioner for Oaths is authorized by the province to administer and witness oaths, affirmations, and statutory declarations. You typically need a commission for documents staying within Alberta, such as:
- Affidavits for court proceedings or a lawsuit.
- Statutory Declarations (e.g., for insurance companies claims or lost identity documents).
- Land Titles transfers and real estate documents.
Notary Public
A Notary Public has broader authority. In Alberta, all practicing lawyers and attorneys are Notaries. A lawyer Notary can do everything a Commissioner can do, plus:
- Certified True Copies: We can provide certification that a copy of an original, already-signed document (such as a birth certificate, degree, or executed Will) is a true and accurate reproduction.
- International Use: We provide the seal and stamp required for documents that will be recognized outside of Alberta, in any other province, or internationally.
- Authentication: A Notary’s seal acts as an official authentication of the document’s signature and execution.
Finalize Your Documents with Confidence
Have questions or need trusted legal guidance? Contact Harmony Law today to schedule your consultation or notary appointment. Our team is ready to provide clear advice, practical solutions, and dedicated support.
Please note: Contacting us does not create a lawyer‑client relationship. We are required to conduct a conflict check and ensure we can provide the appropriate legal support.
Specialized Service: The Guarantees Acknowledgment Act (GAA)
One of the most critical Notary services we provide is the execution of certificates under the Guarantees Acknowledgment Act. This is a high-stakes legal requirement in Alberta that protects a person or party entering into a guarantee for another party’s debt.
Why You Need a Lawyer, Not a Lay Notary
In Alberta, the law strictly requires that a lawyer conduct the examination and sign the GAA certification. This representation is important.
- The Examination: We must personally examine the guarantor to ensure they fully understand the nature and extent of the liability they are assuming.
- Legal Restriction: Lay Notaries (non-lawyers) are not authorized to execute these certificates. If a lay notary signs a GAA certificate, the guarantee may be deemed unenforceable.
- Risk Mitigation: Our lawyers ensure that all statutory formalities are met so your financing or business agreement remains secure.
Support for Other Cases
While our firm is a full service law firm, we do not practice in personal injury or accidents. However, we can notarize documents or witness a signature to assist people involved in these cases. If you have an attorney or personal injury lawyer at another office and need a local lawyer to act on their behalf, we provide verification, experience, and attention to factors such as swearing affidavits for:
- Information, evidence, and claims for insurance companies or an insurance company.
- Injuries, accident circumstances, pain, suffering, and medical care expenses.
- Vehicle damage, driver fault, negligence, and one-time situation reports.
- Settlement of damages, lost wages, money, bills, and the amount of compensation for recovery.
Whether you need a consultation regarding options for your paperwork or specific legal advice on witnessing, we ensure the right results.
Our Notary & Witnessing Services
We assist clients across Foothills County, High River, and Diamond Valley with various contract and agreement types.
Real Estate & Property Documents
Estate & Professional Documents
We provide verification and notarization for professionally drafted life documents.
Please note: We do not notarize “homemade” or DIY Wills, as these often fail to meet Alberta’s strict legal standards.
We provide services for:
- Certified True Copies of existing, executed Wills and Codicils.
- Witnessing of Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives drafted by legal professionals.
- Travel consent letters for minors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To satisfy legal requirements, you must bring a valid, government-issued photo identity document (such as a Driver’s License or Passport).
- For Witnessing/Oaths: Yes. If we are witnessing your signature, the document must be unsigned until you are in the presence of the Notary.
- For Certified True Copies: No. If you need a Certified True Copy of an original document, the document should already be complete. We will compare the original to the photocopy to verify its authenticity.
No. We generally do not do notarization or witness on homemade Wills.
Ensuring a Will is legally valid in Alberta requires a level of experience, advice, and attention to factors to ensure it is enforceable and that your wishes are followed. The cost of reviewing a homemade document often exceeds the costs of having our law firm formally draft a professional Will for you.
This ensures your estate is protected and your rights are enforceable.
Have questions or need trusted legal guidance?
Harmony Law is committed to serving our local community with integrity, and professionalism.
We understand that these documents often involve high-stakes cases, whether it’s a family matter, a business deal, or a recovery way forward.
We proudly serve: Okotoks, Calgary, High River, Diamond Valley (Black Diamond & Turner Valley), and Foothills County.
Please note: Contacting us does not create a lawyer‑client relationship. We are required to conduct a conflict check and ensure we can provide the appropriate legal support.