The role of the notary: what are his areas of expertise?

Updated on Wednesday 13 April 2022

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What notarial acts need to be postponed due to containment?

Acts which do not present any degree of urgency must be postponed. Mentioning a typology of acts here is difficult. The profession is working to establish all the documents, in particular through the means of a remote appearance via Visio conference.Only proven emergency situations could be of a nature to…
See more
Can we still contact a notary during containment? And if yes, how?

Yes. In accordance with the measures of Decree No. 2020-260 dated March 16, 2020, the approximately 6,000 notarial offices have closed their reception to the public since March 17, 2020. But about 90% of them continue their activity remotely. They can be reached by phone, email and videoconference.Notaries are therefore…
See more
I am selling my house. My notary sent the declaration of intent to alienate (DIA) to the town hall. If the latter decides to exercise its right of pre-emption, does it have to acquire the property at the price initially fixed?

No. A municipality can very well decide to pre-empt a property offered for sale at a selling price lower than that desired by the seller. The latter must send the owner its proposal by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, within 2 months of receiving the DIA. The seller then…
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My notary refuses to establish the act for which I requested him, because I have not transferred the advanced costs, he asked me to the office account. Does he have the right?

Yes, because the National Notarial Regulations (article 9-1) expressly forbids him from receiving an act without having provisioned a sufficient amount, to cover the expenses, rights, emoluments and fees. The notary cannot consent to his client in advance, through any form or capacity.
See more
I am selling my house. My notary sent the declaration of intent to alienate (DIA) to the town hall. If the latter decides to exercise its right of pre-emption, does it have to acquire the property at the price initially fixed?

No. A municipality can very well decide to pre-empt a property offered for sale at a selling price lower than that desired by the seller. The latter must send the owner its proposal by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt, within 2 months of receiving the DIA. The seller then…
See more
I wish to grant a loan of €60,000 to one of my children Am I obliged to call on my notary to draw up the loan contract?

No, but it is preferable. In accordance with article 1359 of the civil code, a writing is required when the sum lent is greater than 1500 €. The use of a notary is recommended to avoid any dispute, especially between your heirs. Indeed, you are assured that the deed will…
See more
My father has just passed away. He had very little wealth. Am I required to have an act of notoriety to unlock my bank assets?

Everything will depend on the total amount of the deceased's financial assets. To be able to obtain the payment of the funds, you must provide the bank with an affidavit drawn up by a notary if the amount is greater than 5000 euros. On the other hand, if the amount…
See more
I had to make a donation-partage to my 3 children. My notary prepared the deed but in the end 2 of my children refused to sign it. The notary is asking me to pay his fees under the "imperfect act". What is it about?

Je devais consentir une donation-partage à mes 3 enfants. Mon notaire a préparé l’acte mais finalement 2 de mes enfants ont refusé de le signer. Le notaire me demande de régler ses émoluments au titre de « l’acte imparfait ». De quoi s’agit-il ? The imperfect deed is the deed…
See more
My notary refuses to establish the act for which I requested him, because I have not transferred the advanced costs, he asked me to the office account. Does he have the right?

Yes, because the National Notarial Regulations (article 9-1) expressly forbids him from receiving an act without having provisioned a sufficient amount, to cover the expenses, rights, emoluments and fees. The notary cannot consent to his client in advance, through any form or capacity.
See more
My father is planning to give me bare ownership of an apartment he owns. The notary has estimated its fee without considering the dismemberment of ownership. Is this normal?

Yes. For the fees associated with a gift deed, the notary's fees are calculated based on the full value of the property. This applies even when the donor retains the usufruct of the property (art. A444-67 C. com.).
See more
My Charente-Maritime notary has to come to Paris to sign a deed of sale. As he doesn't have any premises in Paris, can this signature take place in my buyer's professional warehouses?

No. Article 12.1 of the national regulations governing notaries stipulates that "In the interests of the dignity and independence of his functions, the notary may, save in exceptional circumstances, only receive clients and deeds in his office, in ancillary premises and in one or more ancillary offices or in the…
See more
Can we still contact a notary during containment? And if yes, how?

Yes. In accordance with the measures of Decree No. 2020-260 dated March 16, 2020, the approximately 6,000 notarial offices have closed their reception to the public since March 17, 2020. But about 90% of them continue their activity remotely. They can be reached by phone, email and videoconference.Notaries are therefore…
See more
My Charente-Maritime notary has to come to Paris to sign a deed of sale. As he doesn't have any premises in Paris, can this signature take place in my buyer's professional warehouses?

No. Article 12.1 of the national regulations governing notaries stipulates that "In the interests of the dignity and independence of his functions, the notary may, save in exceptional circumstances, only receive clients and deeds in his office, in ancillary premises and in one or more ancillary offices or in the…
See more
My father has just passed away. He had very little wealth. Am I required to have an act of notoriety to unlock my bank assets?

Everything will depend on the total amount of the deceased's financial assets. To be able to obtain the payment of the funds, you must provide the bank with an affidavit drawn up by a notary if the amount is greater than 5000 euros. On the other hand, if the amount…
See more
I wish to grant a loan of €60,000 to one of my children Am I obliged to call on my notary to draw up the loan contract?

No, but it is preferable. In accordance with article 1359 of the civil code, a writing is required when the sum lent is greater than 1500 €. The use of a notary is recommended to avoid any dispute, especially between your heirs. Indeed, you are assured that the deed will…
See more
Do I need to make an appointment with a notary before getting married?

Sophie Sabot-Barcet, notary, answers Marc's question: should I make an appointment with a notary before getting married? Yes, to find out beforehand and receive advice on the choice of matrimonial property regime. Marriage is a contract between the parties. If you don't go to a notary, you'll be married in…
See more
My father is planning to give me bare ownership of an apartment he owns. The notary has estimated its fee without considering the dismemberment of ownership. Is this normal?

Yes. For the fees associated with a gift deed, the notary's fees are calculated based on the full value of the property. This applies even when the donor retains the usufruct of the property (art. A444-67 C. com.).
See more
What notarial acts need to be postponed due to containment?

Acts which do not present any degree of urgency must be postponed. Mentioning a typology of acts here is difficult. The profession is working to establish all the documents, in particular through the means of a remote appearance via Visio conference.Only proven emergency situations could be of a nature to…
See more
Do I need to make an appointment with a notary before getting married?

Sophie Sabot-Barcet, notary, answers Marc's question: should I make an appointment with a notary before getting married? Yes, to find out beforehand and receive advice on the choice of matrimonial property regime. Marriage is a contract between the parties. If you don't go to a notary, you'll be married in…
See more
Can I change my notary?

Do I have the right to change my notary when I have already made a last living gift to him 15 years ago? Do you have to justify this request? Notary David Ambrosiano answers your questions on BFM Business's "Le Club du Droit / Passez-moi le notaire" program. The answer…
See more
I had to make a donation-partage to my 3 children. My notary prepared the deed but in the end 2 of my children refused to sign it. The notary is asking me to pay his fees under the "imperfect act". What is it about?

Je devais consentir une donation-partage à mes 3 enfants. Mon notaire a préparé l’acte mais finalement 2 de mes enfants ont refusé de le signer. Le notaire me demande de régler ses émoluments au titre de « l’acte imparfait ». De quoi s’agit-il ? The imperfect deed is the deed…
See more
Can I change my notary?

Do I have the right to change my notary when I have already made a last living gift to him 15 years ago? Do you have to justify this request? Notary David Ambrosiano answers your questions on BFM Business's "Le Club du Droit / Passez-moi le notaire" program. The answer…
See more