Power of Attorney and Notary Services

The word “notary” comes from early note-taking scribes who documented proceedings and agreements between parties and prepared the agreements to codify them. In the same sense, the French Notary is one of the oldest and most prestigious functionaries in the administration of French society. They used to be individuals appointed by the president; their function was rooted in honor and the objective administration of official acts and deeds through certification.

Whereas Notaries in the United States and many countries are people who certify documents written or attested to by validating the identities and signatures of those involved, the Notary in France performs a wider role that encompasses things that require a lawyer in the US and other countries.

As one councilor during an ancient debate of the notary law noted: ”Next to the civil servants who conciliate and judge disputes, tranquility calls for other civil servants, who, disinterested advisors of the parties, as well as impartial drafters of their will, making known to them the full extent of the obligations they contract, drawing up these commitments with clarity, giving them the character of an authentic act and the force of a final judgment, perpetuating their memory and preserving their deposit with fidelity, prevent disputes from arising between men of good faith and remove from greedy men with the hope of success, the desire to raise an unjust dispute. These disinterested advisors, these impartial drafters, these kinds of voluntary judges who irrevocably bind the contracting parties, are the notaries. This institution is the notary’s office.”

In short, any proceeding that transfers right or title, or ownership to real property – wills, real estate, business mergers, incorporation, among others, is given the legal authority of the state by a Notary. She/he validates the identity and capacity of the signatories and ensures that in both substance and form, documents conform to legal standards and are complete in their requirements. In general, where an agreement (absence of conflict) exists between parties, a lawyer is not needed in France. 

The Notary’s certification is all that is required.