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

Updated on Thursday 25 June 2026

Inquire

Call upon a notary

The notary’s obligations

Understanding Notary Fees

Power of Attorney at the Notary’s Office

A question ? Need help ?

My future spouse and I have an appointment with the notary to sign our marriage contract. Unfortunately, I have just learned that I will not be able to attend due to professional obligations. Is it possible to appoint someone by proxy?

Yes, but under specific conditions. In principle, both spouses must be present before the notary to sign the marriage contract (Article 1394 of the French Civil Code). However, case law allows a spouse to be represented by a third party. The representative must hold a special authentic power of attorney…
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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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I am taking out a loan, and the bank requires a mortgage to be registered on my property. For cost reasons I would like the bank to handle the formalities. My notary says this is impossible. Is that true?

Yes. For a mortgage to be valid it must be executed by notarial deed (Civil Code, Article 2409). The notary handles registration and publication with the land registry service. The mortgage then becomes enforceable against third parties. The notary must practice in France if the property is located in France…
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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…
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My future spouse and I have an appointment with the notary to sign our marriage contract. Unfortunately, I have just learned that I will not be able to attend due to professional obligations. Is it possible to appoint someone by proxy?

Yes, but under specific conditions. In principle, both spouses must be present before the notary to sign the marriage contract (Article 1394 of the French Civil Code). However, case law allows a spouse to be represented by a third party. The representative must hold a special authentic power of attorney…
See more