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

Updated on Tuesday 3 June 2025

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Call upon a notary

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Notary’s role

The notary is a legal officer with a mission of public authority who prepares contracts in their authentic form on behalf of its clients. It exercises functions within a liberal framework.
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The notary's authentic act

The authentic act is an act which is received by a competent public officer to instrument it in the place where it was drawn up. It is different from the private act which is signed only by the parties and can be regulated anywhere.
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The notary's main areas of intervention

Notary's mission :"Notaries are the public officers established to receive deeds and contracts to make these authentic, are attached to acts of public authority, and to ensure the date, keep the deposit, issue grosses and expeditions thereof." The Ordinance dated November 2, 1945
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The notary’s obligations

Understanding Notary Fees

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Notary tariffs: emoluments and fees

The amount that one pays to the notary, which we commonly and improperly call "notary fees" actually includes taxes (approx. 8/10th of fees), disbursement (1/10th of fees) and notary’s compensation (1/10th of fees).
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Cost of buying a house : Conveyancing fees

During a real estate purchase, the buyer must pay taxes and additional fees at the selling price. In the new market, these fees amount to 2 to 3% of the selling price. We are talking about "reduced fees" or "reduced notaire fees".
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Power of Attorney at the Notary’s Office

A question ? Need help ?

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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.).
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