Legal documents often carry significant personal, financial, or international implications and the validity of those documents can hinge on proper notarization or commissioning.
At O’Beth Law, we provide precise, efficient, and legally compliant notarization and commissioning services to ensure your documents meet the required standards in Alberta, across Canada, or abroad.

We serve individuals, professionals, and businesses who require legally binding verification, authentication, or certification of signatures, statements, or documents.
Our role is to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance — giving you confidence that your paperwork will be recognized wherever it is presented.

1. Understanding the Difference: Notarization vs. Commissioning

Commissioning (Commissioner for Oaths)

A Commissioner for Oaths is authorized under the Commissioners for Oaths Act (Alberta) to administer oaths, affirmations, and statutory declarations within the province.
Commissioning is used when a person needs to swear, affirm, or declare that a statement or fact contained in a document is true, usually for use within Alberta or other Canadian jurisdictions.
Examples include:

• Affidavits filed in provincial court or administrative matters
• Statutory declarations for pension, insurance, or government programs
• Declarations for motor vehicle or registry purposes
• Family law affidavits (e.g., support, custody, or separation matters)

Commissioning does not verify the truth of the statement itself. Only that the individual has declared it before a legally authorized commissioner.

Notarization (Notary Public)

A Notary Public possesses broader authority, established under the Notaries Public Act (Alberta) and the Evidence Act (Canada).
A notary can perform all the duties of a Commissioner for Oaths and:

• Verify the identity of the signer
• Witness and attest the signing of legal documents
• Certify that copies of original documents are true copies
• Authenticate signatures and seals for documents intended for out-of-province or international use

Notarization adds an official seal and legal standing to your document, which may be required for use by foreign governments, embassies, courts, or regulatory bodies.

2. Our Notarization and Commissioning Services

At O’Beth Law, we offer a full range of notarial and commissioning services for individuals, corporations, and international clients. Our services include:

Affidavits, Statutory Declarations & Sworn Statements

• Administering oaths or affirmations for court filings, immigration, business, and personal matters.
• Ensuring that the declarant fully understands the content and implications of the sworn document.
• Reviewing documents for completeness and accuracy before administration.

Certified True Copies of Documents

• Certifying photocopies or digital copies as exact replicas of the original document.
• Used for passports, academic transcripts, corporate records, professional licenses, or identification documents.
• Accepted by Canadian and international authorities requiring validation of originals.

Notarization of Legal and Commercial Documents

• Witnessing and attesting signatures on contracts, deeds, loan agreements, and consent forms.
• Certifying business documents such as corporate resolutions, partnership agreements, or commercial powers of attorney.
• Preparing notarial certificates confirming execution, capacity, and authenticity.

Real Estate and Mortgage Documents

• Notarizing transfer or mortgage forms for out-of-province clients, private lenders, or relocation purposes.
• Witnessing and verifying signatures on title transfer deeds, refinancing documents, and related affidavits.
• Ensuring compliance with lender or land title office formalities.

Travel and Immigration Documents

• Notarizing travel consent letters for minors travelling abroad.
• Certifying immigration invitation letters, sponsorship undertakings, and identity declarations.
• Notarizing documents required by IRCC, foreign embassies, or consulates.

Corporate and Business Matters

• Notarizing directors’ resolutions, shareholder declarations, and statutory filings.
• Certifying business registration certificates or contracts for use outside Canada.
• Assisting international businesses with notarized power of attorney or corporate authentication.

Family, Personal, and Estate Documents

• Witnessing and notarizing powers of attorney, living wills, and estate-related declarations.
• Certifying documents required for name change, marriage abroad, or inheritance verification.
• Preparing notarized statements for child custody or support matters where official attestation is required.

Authentication and Legalization Support

• Assisting clients whose notarized documents must be authenticated by the Alberta Department of Justice or Global Affairs Canada for foreign use.
• Coordinating the process of consular legalization for international jurisdictions requiring formal diplomatic verification.
• Advising on international documentation standards under the Hague Apostille Convention or other bilateral arrangements.

Remote or Mobile Commissioning

• Where legally permitted, providing remote commissioning via secure video conferencing in accordance with Alberta’s Oaths and Declarations Act.
• Offering mobile signing appointments for individuals unable to attend the office due to health, mobility, or scheduling constraints.
• Ensuring that remote administration maintains full compliance with identity verification and record-keeping requirements.

3. The O’Beth Law Process

Step 1: Document Review and Purpose Assessment

We review the nature of your document, its intended destination (domestic or international), and determine whether commissioning or notarization is required. We confirm completeness and verify that the document complies with applicable laws.

Step 2: Verification of Identity

We confirm the identity of the person signing or declaring, using valid government-issued photo ID, and maintain records as required under provincial legislation and Law Society of Alberta rules.

Step 3: Execution and Administration

For commissioning, we administer the oath, affirmation, or declaration.
For notarization, we witness the signing, affix our seal, and complete the notarial certificate.

Step 4: Sealing, Recording, and Delivery

We ensure the document is properly sealed, stamped, and signed.
Copies are provided as needed, and we retain secure internal records consistent with professional standards.

Step 5: Authentication / Legalization (If Required)

For documents bound for international jurisdictions, we assist in obtaining authentication from the Alberta Department of Justice and legalization from the destination country’s consulate.

4. Why Choose O’Beth Law

• Dual Authority and Legal Professionalism:
  As practicing lawyers, we hold both Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths designations, allowing us to serve local, national, and international needs with precision.
• Professional Integrity and Compliance:
  We adhere strictly to the Law Society of Alberta’s ethical standards, ensuring every notarized or commissioned document is executed lawfully and ethically.
• Attention to Detail:
  We verify every clause, name, date, and signature to ensure that no procedural or clerical error undermines the document’s validity.
• Global Recognition:
  Documents notarized by O’Beth Law are widely accepted within Canada and internationally. Meeting the standards of government bodies, courts, and consulates worldwide.
• Accessibility and Efficiency:
  We offer flexible appointments, same-day services where possible, and mobile or remote options for urgent or special circumstances.
• Confidentiality and Respect:
  Every transaction is conducted with discretion. Sensitive documents are handled securely, respecting your privacy and professional obligations.

5. Common Documents We Notarize or Commission

• Affidavits for court or immigration
• Statutory declarations (lost passports, identity, or pension forms)
• Certified true copies of ID or academic records
• Power of attorney or consent forms
• Invitation or sponsorship letters
• Travel consent letters for minors
• Real estate and mortgage forms
• Employment verification or HR letters
• Corporate resolutions and contracts
• Insurance or pension forms
• Family or estate documents
• Settlement declarations
• Oaths and affirmations for administrative filings

6. Our Commitment

At O’Beth Law, notarization and commissioning are not treated as mere formalities. They are acts of legal precision that carry real-world implications.
We ensure every document we authenticate stands up to scrutiny in court, before government authorities, and across borders.
Our clients trust us for our accuracy, efficiency, and unwavering professionalism, knowing that their documents are valid, compliant, and properly executed.