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

Updated on Tuesday 3 June 2025

Inquire

Call upon a notary

The notary’s obligations

Understanding Notary Fees

Power of Attorney at the Notary’s Office

A question ? Need help ?

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…
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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…
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When is document legalisation required?

A document must be legalised when it is intended for use in a country that is not a signatory to the Hague Convention or to any international agreement waiving such formalities. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs maintains an up-to-date table listing the formalities required according to the destination…
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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…
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