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

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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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Yes. The original of a will is kept by the notary who has custody of it, meaning the one who received it and filed it among his official records (Article 1007 of the French Civil Code). The notary you have appointed to handle the estate therefore only has a copy.
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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…
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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…
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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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