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 ?

I have lost my property deed, and I do not remember either the name of the notary or the address of the notary office. How can I obtain a copy?

In such a case, you should approach the territorially competent land registration service. By completing certain formalities (filling out CERFA forms n° 3233SD and n° 3236 SD), you can obtain a copy of your property deed (which will include the name of the notary who drafted the act).
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I asked my notary for the cost of a donation deed concerning a real estate property. The amount he quoted does not match the fee schedule I found in the French Commercial Code. Is this normal?

Yes. The French Commercial Code (Articles A444-53 et seq.) sets out the notary’s fees, known as emoluments, which represent the notary’s remuneration. However, the total cost of a donation deed includes several other components: Registration duties (droits d’enregistrement) payable to the tax authorities; Value Added Tax (VAT) applicable to certain…
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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…
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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.).
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