“Guidance From a Legal Practice That Understands Everyday Needs and Cross-Border Realities“
At MA Adebisi Law Office, we view notarization not as a formality but as a trusted safeguard in life’s most pivotal legal moments. Whether you are securing a business transaction, preparing documents for immigration, or setting up an enduring power of attorney in Manitoba, notarization helps ensure the validity and acceptance of your decisions across jurisdictions and across time.
Clients often come to us unsure about what types of documents require notarization, and when it matters most. In this article, we draw from our experience as a dedicated legal practice in Winnipeg to clarify what a notary public can certify, when you might need those services, and how we approach each request with both precision and care.
Why Notarization Still Matters in 2025?
While digital signatures and automation have transformed many administrative processes, notarization still plays an essential role in validating identity, affirming intent, and upholding legal certainty.
From our vantage point as a Winnipeg-based law office, we see daily how notarization prevents disputes and delays, especially in cross-border situations, estate planning, and property transfers. Notarial services are more than stamps; they are legally recognized affirmations that can protect you in court or satisfy complex institutional requirements. We provide these services with the attentiveness and legal integrity your circumstances deserve.
Documents We Frequently Certify at MA Adebisi Law Office
We offer notarial certification for a wide variety of legal documents. Some of the most common include:
- Statutory declarations and affidavits
- Travel consent letters
- Copies of identification documents
- Real estate documents
- Business agreements
- Academic credentials or transcripts
Statutory Declarations and Affidavits
These are written statements of fact that are voluntarily declared to be true by the person. Signing the documents, often used in legal, immigration, or administrative matters. A notary public ensures the identity of the declarant, administers the oath or affirmation, and formally witnesses the signature, adding legal weight and credibility to the document.
Travel Consent Letters
When a child is traveling without one or both legal guardians, a travel consent letter is often required. This consent letter complies with border and airline protocols. Notaries verify the identity of the parent or guardian giving consent and certify the document. Assuring authorities that the permission is legitimate and duly executed.
Copies of Identification Documents
A notarized copy of a passport, driver’s license, or other personal ID may be required for visa applications, banking, or legal purposes. The notary public compares the original with the copy, confirms its authenticity, and certifies it as a true likeness of the original document.
Real Estate Documents
These include deeds, mortgage forms, and land transfer agreements, particularly for transactions involving out-of-province parties or lenders. A notary public helps verify signatures, confirm identities, and ensure the documents are properly executed, reducing the risk of fraud or disputes during property transactions.
Business Agreements
From shareholder resolutions to international contract authorizations, notaries play a role in ensuring business documents are signed knowingly and voluntarily by authorized individuals. Their certification helps mitigate risk in cross-jurisdictional dealings and reinforces the legitimacy of the documents.
Academic Credentials or Transcripts
Certified copies of diplomas, degrees, or academic transcripts are often requested for job applications, credential assessments, or visa processing. A notary examines the original, verifies the copy, and confirms its accuracy, helping institutions and agencies trust the validity of submitted credentials.
These certifications are part of our daily practice. We ensure documents are reviewed thoroughly, signed appropriately, and aligned with the legal context in which they’ll be used.
When a Notary Public Adds Legal Weight?
In many legal matters, a signature alone does not carry sufficient authority. We routinely advise clients that a notarized document can serve as a preventive measure against fraud, especially in high-stakes or high-trust situations.
For example, notarized affidavits often form the backbone of testimonial evidence. A declaration related to property, custody, or financial support gains added credibility when it is notarized, especially in court or cross-jurisdictional settings. We also assist clients who are preparing documents for foreign institutions that will only accept notarized and properly legalized submissions.
We do not approach notarization as a checkbox. At MA Adebisi Law Office, we understand that the value of certification lies in its detail and context.
Cross-Border and International Documents (What We Regularly Support)
Many of our clients are preparing documents for use outside Canada. In these cases, notarization is just one step in a longer process. We help clients understand what’s required for:
- Authentication and legalization
- Notarized translations
- Sworn declarations
- Powers of attorney valid outside of Manitoba
We routinely guide clients through this process, offering practical insight into the legal expectations of foreign jurisdictions.
The Role of Notarization in the Enduring Power of Attorney in Manitoba
An enduring power of attorney in Manitoba is not just another legal document—it is a long-term safeguard that entrusts another individual to make financial decisions on your behalf, even if you become mentally incapable.
We frequently notarize these documents, but we also ensure that clients understand the weight of what they’re signing. While notarization is not a mandatory step under Manitoba law, it is often requested by banks or financial institutions as further proof of validity.
Understanding the Power of Attorney Framework
A power of attorney is a legal document that grants one person (the attorney) the authority to act on behalf of another (the donor) in legal or financial matters. This delegation can be limited to specific transactions or broad in scope, depending on how the document is structured. Powers of attorney are often used during periods of illness, travel, or aging when the donor may be unavailable or unable to manage their own affairs. What sets an enduring power of attorney in Manitoba apart is its resilience: it remains valid even after the donor loses mental capacity. This feature makes it an essential instrument in long-term care planning and safeguards against future legal complications related to cognitive decline or incapacity.
Final Reflections From Our Legal Practice
At MA Adebisi Law Office, we believe every notarized document carries weight beyond paper. Whether it’s a child’s travel consent, a sworn affidavit, or a financial delegation, notarization is ultimately about trust and clarity.
We take pride in offering more than convenience. We offer professionalism that supports your legal goals with integrity and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
While both can witness affidavits and statutory declarations, only a Notary Public can certify true copies, notarize international documents, and perform certain types of document authentication. A Notary’s role is broader and internationally recognized, particularly for documents used outside Canada.
It is not always required by law, but it is highly recommended. Notarization helps validate the identity of the grantor and increases the likelihood of recognition by financial institutions and courts, especially in cross-border or high-value matters.
Yes, but you may need additional steps. A notarized document might also require authentication by Global Affairs Canada and legalization by the destination country’s consulate, depending on the document type and jurisdiction.
Valid government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or permanent resident card, is required. The ID must be current and clearly display your full legal name and photograph for verification.
Most appointments take under 30 minutes. However, if multiple documents or additional steps like document translation are involved, you may need more time, especially when notarizing for international use.
Some can, but not all. It is advisable to arrive with documents already completed (except for the signature portion), unless the notary offers additional legal drafting services, which may involve separate fees or appointments.