GUARANTEED ERROR-FREE COVERAGE
BY
APPOINTMENT ONLY
Text 647-209-7389 or
email vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com
This is NOT a WALK-IN service.
READ SLOWLY and CAREFULLY
BY
APPOINTMENT ONLY
Text 647-209-7389 or
email vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com
This is NOT a WALK-IN service.
READ SLOWLY and CAREFULLY
Select one of the following options:
1. Discounted Option: Monday to Friday between 730am to 730pm
***$20 ($17.70 + $2.30 HST) for the first seal and signature; $10 ($8.85 + $1.15 HST) for each subsequent seal and signature (if applicable).
2. Regular Fee Option: Weekday (Eve. Hrs. 731pm to 930pm), Weekends and Holidays (730am to 930pm)
3. Mobile/House Call Notary Public: Any day between 8am to 730pm
Travel Fees
***Regular Fee $40 ($35.40 + $4.60 HST) for the first seal and signature, $10 ($8.85 + $1.15 HST) for each subsequent signature and seal PLUS travel fees calculated through Google Maps based on the distance between your location to my offices at 639 Dupont Street
4. Bulk Discount Notarization: 10+ copies = $10 per seal tax included. Any day and time subject only to traveling fee as listed above.
5. Late Night Notarization Service: Regular Fee ($40) + Late Night Fee = Final Cost for Late Night Notarization Request.
House Call Notarization between 731pm to midnight $40 (regular fee notarization) + $200 (late night house call request fee) + Travel Fee as listed above.
6. Emergency Notary Public Service Request to LESTER B. PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: $350. All documents including authorization/permission/ consent letters for children to travel can and should be done weeks in advance of the departure date. Consider contacting my offices via texting 647-209-7389 or email vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com and take advantage of the savings to notarize your consent letter for your minor children to travel in advance of the departure date.
ACCEPTABLE PAYMENTS:
Note Additional Fees where Applicable:
1. Discounted Option: Monday to Friday between 730am to 730pm
- 1 seal = $20 tax included
- 2 seals = $30 tax included
- 3 seals = $40 tax included
- 4 seals = $50 tax included
- 5 seals = $60 tax included
- 6 seals = $70 tax included
- 7 seals = $80 tax included
- 8 seals = $90 tax included
- 9 seals = $100 tax included
- 10 seals =$110 tax included
***$20 ($17.70 + $2.30 HST) for the first seal and signature; $10 ($8.85 + $1.15 HST) for each subsequent seal and signature (if applicable).
2. Regular Fee Option: Weekday (Eve. Hrs. 731pm to 930pm), Weekends and Holidays (730am to 930pm)
- 1 seal =$40 tax included
- 2 seals =$50 tax included
- 3 seals = $60 tax included
- 4 seals = $70 tax included
- 5 seals =$80 tax included
3. Mobile/House Call Notary Public: Any day between 8am to 730pm
Travel Fees
- Within 1km =FREE PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 1.1km - 3km =$60 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 3.1km - 6km =$100 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 6.1km - 9km =$140 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 9.1km -15km =$180 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- After 15km, each additional 1km is an additional $10 thereafter; or plus $10/km thereafter.
- 15.1km-16km =$190 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 16.1km-17km =$200 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 17.1km-18km =$210 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 18.1km-19km =$220 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 19.1km-20km =$230 PLUS Regular Notary Fee
- 2 seals needed and 10km from my office = $180 travel + $50 = $230 tax included for mobile notarization
- 3 seals needed and 10km from my office = $180 travel + $60 = $240 tax included for mobile notarization
***Regular Fee $40 ($35.40 + $4.60 HST) for the first seal and signature, $10 ($8.85 + $1.15 HST) for each subsequent signature and seal PLUS travel fees calculated through Google Maps based on the distance between your location to my offices at 639 Dupont Street
4. Bulk Discount Notarization: 10+ copies = $10 per seal tax included. Any day and time subject only to traveling fee as listed above.
5. Late Night Notarization Service: Regular Fee ($40) + Late Night Fee = Final Cost for Late Night Notarization Request.
- 930pm-1200am =$40 + $100 = $140
- 1201am-700am =$40 + $200 = $240
House Call Notarization between 731pm to midnight $40 (regular fee notarization) + $200 (late night house call request fee) + Travel Fee as listed above.
6. Emergency Notary Public Service Request to LESTER B. PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: $350. All documents including authorization/permission/ consent letters for children to travel can and should be done weeks in advance of the departure date. Consider contacting my offices via texting 647-209-7389 or email vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com and take advantage of the savings to notarize your consent letter for your minor children to travel in advance of the departure date.
ACCEPTABLE PAYMENTS:
- Cash
- Cheque
- Electronic Transfer - eTransfer payment
- PayPal
Note Additional Fees where Applicable:
- Courier services for Corporate and International Clients: add $60 to the final fee, plus the client will be responsible to provide a Fedex or UPS corporate account number for delivery. Corporate and international clients will receive an invoice receipt and any tracking information upon completion of the task requested.
FAQ's about NOTARIZATION FEES and Services
1. Q: Why are your fees so low and cheap? Is there a catch? Do you just make an imprint of the seal or does the fee include a GOLD foil seal sticker?
Ans: Many of my clients cannot justify paying high fees for a simple certification statement, signature, date and notary seal on a document that must be sent to some agency. I agree with my clients. In order to reduce my fees, I reduce my overheads by offering mobile and house call notary services. Further, I do feel it is a disrespect to the legal profession for any person to be charging five or six times the minimum wage for a 5-minute act of signing a document. Especially, if that so called lawyer/notary public is not even a practising/insured lawyer and who has no way to protect the client's interests. There is no catch. Yes, the fee includes a GOLD foil seal sticker without extra cost. See the complete service as listed below.
2. Q: Are there any differences between a notary public in the United States in comparison to a notary public in Ontario? How come notarization in Ontario appears to cost so much more?
Ans: Any person in most, but not all, of the United States can become a notary public by passing an exam and get registered as a notary public through the county court or state legislature. They are then expected to carry liability insurance even though they are also prevented legislatively from charging an arm and a leg for a notary seal. In addition, their authority do have an expiration date and they must renew it regularly in order to continue acting as a notary public. In Ontario, most but not all notaries public are persons who have gone through school to become lawyers. The reason why notarization in Ontario may appear to be costlier is because these so called qualified lawyers/notaries public believe it is justified for the many years they had to spend in school to become lawyers and therefore their time should worth more for witnessing your signature or to verify your identity. Further, there is no legislation to dictate how much a notary public can charge for his/her services. Sadly, unlikely notaries public in the United States, notaries public in Ontario are not required to carry any liability insurance at all, the only time you will get any kind of actual security and protection is when you seek out notarization services of a lawyer who is actually a practising lawyer/notary public. Practising lawyers/notaries public in Ontario are required to carry liability insurance at a much higher premium than notaries public in the United States. It is actually shocking to me that some non practising lawyers (qualified lawyers) who just act as notaries public without bearing any liability insurance have the audacity to charge their clients an arm and a leg for a simple signature.
3. Q: Why are you so strict on communication with your office only through texting and email?
Ans: I am a sole practitioner. I work alone. I am a PRACTISING lawyer. Notarization is a small part of my practice. For legal services, I charge by the hourly rate of $300. If you insist on speaking with me personally through the phone I will insist on charging you $5 per minute and always rounding to a 10-minute interval. You will be expected to provide your credit card information before we engage in a telephone conversation. In the alternative, and totally free of charge you may text 647-209-7389 or email vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com for any legal issues or inquiries or to set up an appointment to meet with me. I often have a very busy schedule helping clients. It is rude and unprofessional to be constantly picking up phone calls while providing services to clients. You would not want a lawyer who gets distracted answering phone calls while helping you with your case. Also, I aim to not wasting your time and my time by disclosing everything about my fees and services as well as all the answers to all the questions you could ever think about notarization, authentication, legalization and apostille procedures on my website. Any other questions you may have or a request for an appointment can be done through the more efficient means by texting 647-209-7389 or email vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com. If you refuse to follow this very simple request, then you may be better served by another lawyer and notary public elsewhere.
4. Q: Why do you give out FREE sample Templates when other lawyers and online legal forms companies charge a fee for them?
Ans: I did not go through over 10 years of post graduate education to be a data entry person and wasting my time asking you personal questions as listed on the forms/templates when you can fill out the information by yourself. The best legal forms are those written in plain and easy to understand language. There is no point paying anyone a fee for a simple template, form or letter when you can Google for one or to ask me for a copy and just input your personal information into it yourself. I feel it is completely unethical and a waste of skills to be filling out forms for clients and charging them a lawyer's rates when the clients can do a better job entering their personal information for themselves.
5. Q: I still think that your fees are too high, do you bargain or is there any way I can reduce the fees further?
Ans: I do not entertain bargaining. An attempt to bargain or to negotiate fees is considered extremely rude and insulting considering the exceptional services that I provide for the already discounted notary fees that I charge. If you believe that my fees are too high, please continue to search for another lawyer/notary public elsewhere. If you bargain with me, the fee will be at regular fee ($40). No Exceptions. You can reduce the notarization fees by:
6. Q: Can a lawyer / notary public / commissioner of oaths refuse to provide legal services?
Ans: Yes I can refuse to provide legal services. I may refuse services if my conflict check system says that there may be a conflict for me to act for you. I may refuse service if you are on a blacklist as a previous client for nonpayment. I will definitely refuse services from persons who are rude, inconsiderate and who lie to me or making obvious false statements in their affidavits or forms. I DO NOT TOLERATE RUDE AND DISHONEST PEOPLE. DO NOT TEST ME. I WILL PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE IF YOU ARE A RUDE AND DISHONEST PERSON.
7. Q: Do you use Red Ink Stamp Notary Seal, Red Notary Seal Sticker, Gold Foil Sticker Notary Seal, or just an Embossed Imprint of the Notary Seal?
Ans: The preferred and frequently used and universally recognized method of sealing documents is by way of using a Gold Foil Sticker Notary Seal embossed with the imprint of the notary public's name, credential and jurisdiction. Click the following link for more information about the practical reasons to using a Gold Foil Sticker Notary Seal.
8. Q: Do I have to be present for notarization? Can I send someone on my behalf to meet with the lawyer, notary public and commissioner of oaths?
Ans: As a general rule, if you must sign something before an officer of the courts, to be sworn under oaths, to have your identity verified, then you must be present with valid photo IDs and be prepared to be sworn and your documents commissioned under oaths. However, if all you require is to have your documents notarized as certified true copies then you may have a representative bring such documents to my office on your behalf. Your representative will be required to show his/her valid photo ID's to the lawyer, notary public and commissioner of oaths/affidavits as required by the Law Society of Upper Canada's bylaw.
9. Q: Why do you have different set fees at different dates and times?
Ans: Work-life balance is important to me. I am offering more dates and times for discounted notary services than any other lawyers and notaries public in the GTA. If you are requesting services outside the prescribed locations, dates and times then my fees will be higher to further accommodate your schedule.
10. Q: University Transcript Notarization: My transcript has three pages, do you count it as one document or three documents?
Ans: It is one document. I will seal the first page and imprint the rest with my embossed notary seal. Likewise, if you have an Agreement that has 30 pages but only one seal is required then it is considered as one seal and one signature.
11. Q: Passport Notarization: Do you count per page for my passport or just one notarization for the whole passport?
Ans: It depends. In most cases, you will only need to get the first page of the passport with your photo and demographic information notarized. In instances for immigration or visa applications or opening a bank account overseas, where you may be required to get certification of the whole passport especially on the pages with stamps, then it is still one gold foil seal on the first page and the imprint of my embossed notary seal on the rest of the other pages of the passport FREE OF CHARGE. Unless, you insist on a gold seal on those extra pages then the additional fee as listed will apply. However, the imprint of my embossed notary seal without the gold foil sticker is more than sufficient to satisfy the requirement of certification, and it is FREE of charge.
12. Q: I have 1 document that requires two of your signatures and two seals, but it's on the same page, do you consider that as one or two seals?
Ans: My fees are based on the number of seals and signatures that you require from me, not the number of pages. If your document requires two signatures and two seals then the fees will reflect that accordingly.
13. Q: My boyfriend and I would like to have our passports notarized, do you count it as one or two transactions/matters?
Ans: It depends:
14. Q: How long does the notarization and/or commissioning process take?
Ans: Usually around 5 minutes, depending on the number of documents you are requesting notarization. There is no next day or next week service. I will sign and seal your document(s) on the spot. The following are the steps that you can expect as a full service when we meet:
15. Q: Is there a difference in the service you provide for a discounted fee option and a regular fee option?
Ans: The above list of steps will be followed regardless of the fee option. The consistency in my practice allows regulatory bodies and agencies to easily confirm my seal and legal authority. The fee differential is a result of the client requesting my services outside the normal working hours.
16. Q: Do you provide coupon codes and discounts or match prices option if I give you a positive review on Google, Facebook and other listing websites?
Ans: No. I do not condone or engage in practices of buying reviews or making up fake reviews and testimonial comments on listing directories or on my own websites. Personally, I never trust any reviews and testimonials on any website. Most of them are a bunch of fake and self-serving comments without one single partially negative comment. There is no need for me to compete with anonymous self-proclaimed lawyers and notaries public who refuse to disclose their names, credentials, contact information and fees. My fees are exactly as disclosed on my website. There are no surprises. However, you are encouraged to print the advertised fees on my website to receive any price matching option that other lawyers and notaries may provide for you.
17. Q: Do you actually travel to different locations in the GTA?
Ans: Yes, I can and have travelled around the GTA and beyond providing both legal and notarization services for financial institutions, law firms, universities, large corporations and private individuals. I have travelled all over Ontario including but not limited to the following places Ajax, Ancaster, Aurora, Barrie, Belleville, Bolton, Bracebridge, Brandford, Brampton, Brockville, Burlington, Caledon, Cobourg, Collingwood, Cooksville, Durham, East York, Etobicoke, Gravenhurst, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Hanover, Havelock, Huntsville, Kingston, King City, Kitchener, London, Manotick, Markham, Meaford, Milton, Mississauga, Newmarket, Nepean, Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, Newcastle, North York, Oakville, Orangeville, Orillia, Orleans, Oshawa, Peterborough, Peel Region, Pickering, Scarborough, Thornhill, Downtown Toronto, Upper Canada, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Unionville, Weston, Willowdale, Whitby, Woodbridge, and locally at Yorkdale Shopping Mall, Eaton Centre, Bay Atrium, Yonge-Bloor Yorkville, College Park, Kensington Market, Chinatown, Koreatown, High Park, Little Italy, Greektown, Cabbagetown, College Park, also including most of the nursing homes and hospitals where many of my clients are doctors, nurses and patients. As long as the clients are willing to accept the notarization and travel fees listed above then I am happy to make a visit to see them at the comfort of their homes or place of business.
18. Q. Are you the only person in Ontario, Canada, who can provide legal services including notarization and commissioning of documents?
Ans: No, there are many places you can find on the internet (Google, Yahoo, Bing, Kijiji, Craigslist, and Backpage etc) that you can attend to get your documents notarized and commissioned. Depending on the type of documents, especially those dealing with city and local matters, some city councilors may be able to commission your documents for FREE. However, getting an appointment with a city councilor can take a long time. It is important to note that many places will say that they are Canada's National Notary Public Services, or Toronto's #1 Notary Public or Toronto's Best Notary Public, or Canada's Leading Notary Public Company, or Toronto's Cheapest Notary Public or Lowest Priced Notary Public in Toronto or Toronto's hand-picked notaries public etc. Do not be impressed by these words. There is no such thing as the best or #1 notary public, all registered and appointed notaries have the same legal authority. In fact, it is actually contrary to the Law Society of Upper Canada's Rules of Professional Conduct to be describing oneself as the best or the best of the best of any legal services that one provides to the public. Further, fees are certainly important but so are the credentials. Remember that credibility begins with a FACE and a NAME. Heed my warning that ALL reputable registered and insured/bonded lawyers, notaries public, and commissioners of oaths in Ontario NEVER REFUSE to disclose their full names, faces, credentials, locations, and fees. Think about it, why would a person who claims to be a lawyer, notary public, and a commissioner of oaths refusing to disclose his or her true identity, something as simple as a name? Why would websites say that they have staff who are qualified lawyers and notaries public but they refuse to list the names of these individuals? Clients are entitled to full disclosure by their counsels or persons who claim to have the legal authority to provide legal services. You MUST question any and all persons who claim to have the legal authority to provide legal services to you yet would not disclose these simple and vital information to you and the general public. Many of your documents contain very important and private information. You must make sure that they do not get into the wrong hands. Can you truly trust a nameless and faceless self-proclaimed legal professional by inviting him or her into the privacy of your home and place of business? You MUST ensure that the person claiming to be a lawyer is in fact a registered legal professional who by law can invoke solicitor-client-privilege to protect your rights and privacy. A registered and practising lawyer is obligated by law and ethical rules to do just that, to protect your rights and privacy even if he or she is just notarizing or commissioning a document for you. Most non-practising lawyers who act as notaries and commissioners of oaths would not know what to do to invoke such rights on your behalf. More importantly, it is best practice to consider getting your documents notarized by a lawyer who is bonded/insured and practising for transaction security such as adoption, immigration, and real estate and business transactions.
Ans: Many of my clients cannot justify paying high fees for a simple certification statement, signature, date and notary seal on a document that must be sent to some agency. I agree with my clients. In order to reduce my fees, I reduce my overheads by offering mobile and house call notary services. Further, I do feel it is a disrespect to the legal profession for any person to be charging five or six times the minimum wage for a 5-minute act of signing a document. Especially, if that so called lawyer/notary public is not even a practising/insured lawyer and who has no way to protect the client's interests. There is no catch. Yes, the fee includes a GOLD foil seal sticker without extra cost. See the complete service as listed below.
- Click here for Reasons Why You Might Wish to Book an Appointment through my Office.
- Click here for Reasons Why You Might NOT Wish to Book an Appointment through my Office.
- Why I charge less for notarization:
"The minimum wage in Ontario presently is $15 per hour and it goes further down when you factor in tax and other dues etc.; you should be screaming mad at any person who dares to charge you five or six hours of your work time for a simple signature and seal that takes less than 5 minutes of his or her time. You should not be throwing your money away blindly to a nameless and faceless person for a simple seal"
2. Q: Are there any differences between a notary public in the United States in comparison to a notary public in Ontario? How come notarization in Ontario appears to cost so much more?
Ans: Any person in most, but not all, of the United States can become a notary public by passing an exam and get registered as a notary public through the county court or state legislature. They are then expected to carry liability insurance even though they are also prevented legislatively from charging an arm and a leg for a notary seal. In addition, their authority do have an expiration date and they must renew it regularly in order to continue acting as a notary public. In Ontario, most but not all notaries public are persons who have gone through school to become lawyers. The reason why notarization in Ontario may appear to be costlier is because these so called qualified lawyers/notaries public believe it is justified for the many years they had to spend in school to become lawyers and therefore their time should worth more for witnessing your signature or to verify your identity. Further, there is no legislation to dictate how much a notary public can charge for his/her services. Sadly, unlikely notaries public in the United States, notaries public in Ontario are not required to carry any liability insurance at all, the only time you will get any kind of actual security and protection is when you seek out notarization services of a lawyer who is actually a practising lawyer/notary public. Practising lawyers/notaries public in Ontario are required to carry liability insurance at a much higher premium than notaries public in the United States. It is actually shocking to me that some non practising lawyers (qualified lawyers) who just act as notaries public without bearing any liability insurance have the audacity to charge their clients an arm and a leg for a simple signature.
3. Q: Why are you so strict on communication with your office only through texting and email?
Ans: I am a sole practitioner. I work alone. I am a PRACTISING lawyer. Notarization is a small part of my practice. For legal services, I charge by the hourly rate of $300. If you insist on speaking with me personally through the phone I will insist on charging you $5 per minute and always rounding to a 10-minute interval. You will be expected to provide your credit card information before we engage in a telephone conversation. In the alternative, and totally free of charge you may text 647-209-7389 or email vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com for any legal issues or inquiries or to set up an appointment to meet with me. I often have a very busy schedule helping clients. It is rude and unprofessional to be constantly picking up phone calls while providing services to clients. You would not want a lawyer who gets distracted answering phone calls while helping you with your case. Also, I aim to not wasting your time and my time by disclosing everything about my fees and services as well as all the answers to all the questions you could ever think about notarization, authentication, legalization and apostille procedures on my website. Any other questions you may have or a request for an appointment can be done through the more efficient means by texting 647-209-7389 or email vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com. If you refuse to follow this very simple request, then you may be better served by another lawyer and notary public elsewhere.
4. Q: Why do you give out FREE sample Templates when other lawyers and online legal forms companies charge a fee for them?
Ans: I did not go through over 10 years of post graduate education to be a data entry person and wasting my time asking you personal questions as listed on the forms/templates when you can fill out the information by yourself. The best legal forms are those written in plain and easy to understand language. There is no point paying anyone a fee for a simple template, form or letter when you can Google for one or to ask me for a copy and just input your personal information into it yourself. I feel it is completely unethical and a waste of skills to be filling out forms for clients and charging them a lawyer's rates when the clients can do a better job entering their personal information for themselves.
5. Q: I still think that your fees are too high, do you bargain or is there any way I can reduce the fees further?
Ans: I do not entertain bargaining. An attempt to bargain or to negotiate fees is considered extremely rude and insulting considering the exceptional services that I provide for the already discounted notary fees that I charge. If you believe that my fees are too high, please continue to search for another lawyer/notary public elsewhere. If you bargain with me, the fee will be at regular fee ($40). No Exceptions. You can reduce the notarization fees by:
- Setting up an appointment with my office at the above noted places, dates and times for discounted fee notarization.
- Combining your documents onto one page or double side copy so that when my seal lands on the page it will go through both sides, hence saving me a seal and you additional fees.
6. Q: Can a lawyer / notary public / commissioner of oaths refuse to provide legal services?
Ans: Yes I can refuse to provide legal services. I may refuse services if my conflict check system says that there may be a conflict for me to act for you. I may refuse service if you are on a blacklist as a previous client for nonpayment. I will definitely refuse services from persons who are rude, inconsiderate and who lie to me or making obvious false statements in their affidavits or forms. I DO NOT TOLERATE RUDE AND DISHONEST PEOPLE. DO NOT TEST ME. I WILL PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE IF YOU ARE A RUDE AND DISHONEST PERSON.
7. Q: Do you use Red Ink Stamp Notary Seal, Red Notary Seal Sticker, Gold Foil Sticker Notary Seal, or just an Embossed Imprint of the Notary Seal?
Ans: The preferred and frequently used and universally recognized method of sealing documents is by way of using a Gold Foil Sticker Notary Seal embossed with the imprint of the notary public's name, credential and jurisdiction. Click the following link for more information about the practical reasons to using a Gold Foil Sticker Notary Seal.
8. Q: Do I have to be present for notarization? Can I send someone on my behalf to meet with the lawyer, notary public and commissioner of oaths?
Ans: As a general rule, if you must sign something before an officer of the courts, to be sworn under oaths, to have your identity verified, then you must be present with valid photo IDs and be prepared to be sworn and your documents commissioned under oaths. However, if all you require is to have your documents notarized as certified true copies then you may have a representative bring such documents to my office on your behalf. Your representative will be required to show his/her valid photo ID's to the lawyer, notary public and commissioner of oaths/affidavits as required by the Law Society of Upper Canada's bylaw.
9. Q: Why do you have different set fees at different dates and times?
Ans: Work-life balance is important to me. I am offering more dates and times for discounted notary services than any other lawyers and notaries public in the GTA. If you are requesting services outside the prescribed locations, dates and times then my fees will be higher to further accommodate your schedule.
10. Q: University Transcript Notarization: My transcript has three pages, do you count it as one document or three documents?
Ans: It is one document. I will seal the first page and imprint the rest with my embossed notary seal. Likewise, if you have an Agreement that has 30 pages but only one seal is required then it is considered as one seal and one signature.
11. Q: Passport Notarization: Do you count per page for my passport or just one notarization for the whole passport?
Ans: It depends. In most cases, you will only need to get the first page of the passport with your photo and demographic information notarized. In instances for immigration or visa applications or opening a bank account overseas, where you may be required to get certification of the whole passport especially on the pages with stamps, then it is still one gold foil seal on the first page and the imprint of my embossed notary seal on the rest of the other pages of the passport FREE OF CHARGE. Unless, you insist on a gold seal on those extra pages then the additional fee as listed will apply. However, the imprint of my embossed notary seal without the gold foil sticker is more than sufficient to satisfy the requirement of certification, and it is FREE of charge.
12. Q: I have 1 document that requires two of your signatures and two seals, but it's on the same page, do you consider that as one or two seals?
Ans: My fees are based on the number of seals and signatures that you require from me, not the number of pages. If your document requires two signatures and two seals then the fees will reflect that accordingly.
13. Q: My boyfriend and I would like to have our passports notarized, do you count it as one or two transactions/matters?
Ans: It depends:
- Separate matters - exp. if both of you are applying for separate programs or applications.
- Same matter - exp. if both of you are purchasing or selling a property held jointly or both declaring for a common-law union document.
14. Q: How long does the notarization and/or commissioning process take?
Ans: Usually around 5 minutes, depending on the number of documents you are requesting notarization. There is no next day or next week service. I will sign and seal your document(s) on the spot. The following are the steps that you can expect as a full service when we meet:
- Client is able to verify the lawyer, Vinh T. Tran's credential and be familiar with his pictures and contact information;
- Exchanging ID's - lawyer and client exchanging ID's and business card/ contact information before service begins;
- Verifying client's identity via examination of the photo ID's and supported documents pursuant to the LSUC's bylaw;
- Notarization, Swearing Oaths/ Declarations;
- Certification by a lawyer's signature;
- Confirmation label sticker under every signature containing my name, legal credentials, LSUC#, and contact information. This provides the schools and agencies the necessary information to easily verify my legal authority to notarize and commission your document;
- Official Embossed Notary Public Golden Seal Stamped on the document - it's not just for decorative purposes; it's my identity, legal authority, and the integrity to provide my clients with the best looking official document possible for submission to schools and agencies; presentation is equally important as credentials. You will not get anything less than high quality professional looking notarized document with an official golden seal and not just an imprint of my seal.
- Final quality inspection and approval for completion; and
- Tax deductible receipt provided upon completion.
15. Q: Is there a difference in the service you provide for a discounted fee option and a regular fee option?
Ans: The above list of steps will be followed regardless of the fee option. The consistency in my practice allows regulatory bodies and agencies to easily confirm my seal and legal authority. The fee differential is a result of the client requesting my services outside the normal working hours.
16. Q: Do you provide coupon codes and discounts or match prices option if I give you a positive review on Google, Facebook and other listing websites?
Ans: No. I do not condone or engage in practices of buying reviews or making up fake reviews and testimonial comments on listing directories or on my own websites. Personally, I never trust any reviews and testimonials on any website. Most of them are a bunch of fake and self-serving comments without one single partially negative comment. There is no need for me to compete with anonymous self-proclaimed lawyers and notaries public who refuse to disclose their names, credentials, contact information and fees. My fees are exactly as disclosed on my website. There are no surprises. However, you are encouraged to print the advertised fees on my website to receive any price matching option that other lawyers and notaries may provide for you.
17. Q: Do you actually travel to different locations in the GTA?
Ans: Yes, I can and have travelled around the GTA and beyond providing both legal and notarization services for financial institutions, law firms, universities, large corporations and private individuals. I have travelled all over Ontario including but not limited to the following places Ajax, Ancaster, Aurora, Barrie, Belleville, Bolton, Bracebridge, Brandford, Brampton, Brockville, Burlington, Caledon, Cobourg, Collingwood, Cooksville, Durham, East York, Etobicoke, Gravenhurst, Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Guelph, Halton, Hamilton, Hanover, Havelock, Huntsville, Kingston, King City, Kitchener, London, Manotick, Markham, Meaford, Milton, Mississauga, Newmarket, Nepean, Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, Newcastle, North York, Oakville, Orangeville, Orillia, Orleans, Oshawa, Peterborough, Peel Region, Pickering, Scarborough, Thornhill, Downtown Toronto, Upper Canada, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Unionville, Weston, Willowdale, Whitby, Woodbridge, and locally at Yorkdale Shopping Mall, Eaton Centre, Bay Atrium, Yonge-Bloor Yorkville, College Park, Kensington Market, Chinatown, Koreatown, High Park, Little Italy, Greektown, Cabbagetown, College Park, also including most of the nursing homes and hospitals where many of my clients are doctors, nurses and patients. As long as the clients are willing to accept the notarization and travel fees listed above then I am happy to make a visit to see them at the comfort of their homes or place of business.
18. Q. Are you the only person in Ontario, Canada, who can provide legal services including notarization and commissioning of documents?
Ans: No, there are many places you can find on the internet (Google, Yahoo, Bing, Kijiji, Craigslist, and Backpage etc) that you can attend to get your documents notarized and commissioned. Depending on the type of documents, especially those dealing with city and local matters, some city councilors may be able to commission your documents for FREE. However, getting an appointment with a city councilor can take a long time. It is important to note that many places will say that they are Canada's National Notary Public Services, or Toronto's #1 Notary Public or Toronto's Best Notary Public, or Canada's Leading Notary Public Company, or Toronto's Cheapest Notary Public or Lowest Priced Notary Public in Toronto or Toronto's hand-picked notaries public etc. Do not be impressed by these words. There is no such thing as the best or #1 notary public, all registered and appointed notaries have the same legal authority. In fact, it is actually contrary to the Law Society of Upper Canada's Rules of Professional Conduct to be describing oneself as the best or the best of the best of any legal services that one provides to the public. Further, fees are certainly important but so are the credentials. Remember that credibility begins with a FACE and a NAME. Heed my warning that ALL reputable registered and insured/bonded lawyers, notaries public, and commissioners of oaths in Ontario NEVER REFUSE to disclose their full names, faces, credentials, locations, and fees. Think about it, why would a person who claims to be a lawyer, notary public, and a commissioner of oaths refusing to disclose his or her true identity, something as simple as a name? Why would websites say that they have staff who are qualified lawyers and notaries public but they refuse to list the names of these individuals? Clients are entitled to full disclosure by their counsels or persons who claim to have the legal authority to provide legal services. You MUST question any and all persons who claim to have the legal authority to provide legal services to you yet would not disclose these simple and vital information to you and the general public. Many of your documents contain very important and private information. You must make sure that they do not get into the wrong hands. Can you truly trust a nameless and faceless self-proclaimed legal professional by inviting him or her into the privacy of your home and place of business? You MUST ensure that the person claiming to be a lawyer is in fact a registered legal professional who by law can invoke solicitor-client-privilege to protect your rights and privacy. A registered and practising lawyer is obligated by law and ethical rules to do just that, to protect your rights and privacy even if he or she is just notarizing or commissioning a document for you. Most non-practising lawyers who act as notaries and commissioners of oaths would not know what to do to invoke such rights on your behalf. More importantly, it is best practice to consider getting your documents notarized by a lawyer who is bonded/insured and practising for transaction security such as adoption, immigration, and real estate and business transactions.
Documents that this law office will NOT notarize:
1. Wills and Codicils drafted by lay persons or from a kit for use in Canada
2. Power of Attorney for Property drafted by lay persons or from a kit for use in Canada
3. Power of Attorney for Personal Care drafted by lay persons or from a kit for use in Canada
4. Affidavits of Execution of Wills and Powers of Attorney drafted by lay persons or from a kit for use in Canada
5. ILA Certificate - Independent Legal Advice Certificates for Mortgages, Divorce and Separation Agreements etc.
6. Legal Opinion Letter for Recognition of a Foreign Divorce Court Order/ Divorce Decrees in Ontario for Re-marriage.- Marriage Application in Ontario.
I will make certified true copies of the above documents if they were drafted by a lawyer and properly executed and notarized/commissioned. The fee will be the same as notarization as listed above.
I will notarize limited powers of attorney for use outside Canada exp. for purchasing or selling a home, taking a loan, or opening a bank account, in a foreign country like the United States or India etc. The fee will be the same as notarization as listed above.
I will also notarize do-it-yourself Divorce and Separation Agreements provided there is a clause wherein the parties acknowledging they have a right to seek independent legal advice but have instead decided to mutually agreeing to waive independent legal advice. Therefore, I will only be acting as a witness to the execution of the Divorce and Separation Agreements. The fee will be the same as notarization as listed above.
As a practising lawyer, I DO offer the above legal services and my fees will reflect the work and insurance coverage that I must consider when placing my seal on those documents. These are important documents that carry great risk of liability to my practice. The fees that I charge for notarization do not justify the risk of placing my good name and credentials on documents that have been drafted by lay persons or printed off the internet. The fees for these documents will start at $200.
1. Power Attorney for Personal Care = $250 Tax Included
2. Power Attorney for Property = $250 Tax Included
3. Powers of Attorney - Personal Care and Property = $400 Tax Included
4. Will = $300 to $500 Tax Included*
5. Will and 2 Powers of Attorney Combo = $700 to $900 Tax Included*
6. Mirror Couple Combo - 2 Wills 4 Powers of Attorney = $800 to $1000 - Tax Included*
7. Independent Legal Advice - ILA = $300 to $600 depending on legal issue, age and educational level the client, complexity, urgency, number of pages, and distance from my office. You will be expected to allot approximately a hour of your time or longer as necessary until you fully understand an oral independent legal advice and consultation regarding the agreement you will be entering into.
8. Legal Opinion Letter re. the validity and recognition of a Foreign Divorce Court Order/ Decree in Ontario - $200 to $300 Tax Included depending on urgency and disclosure of information including: 1) Name, DOB, and Contact Information of the parties; 2) Profession of the Parties; 3) Original Court Order/ Certificate/ Decree; 4) Dates of wedding and final divorce order; 5) Verifiers Information.
* Scale Fees Depending on:
1. Completion of Self-Administered Questionnaire
2. Urgency
3. Age of the Client
4. Underage Children
5. Real Estate Properties, Extra Provincial and International Assets
6. Family Composition (Divorce, Separation, Common Law Relationship, Blended Family etc)
7. Complex Trusts and Unusual Requests
8. Distance from the Lawyer's Office
9. Access to Email Communication
In addition, all of the above services will include the following:
1. Three Personal House Call Visits to the Client
2. All Original Estate Documents will be returned and given to the client in protective binder sleeves along with certified true copies, affidavits of execution, and reporting letters.
3. Ongoing communication via email with the client or permitted representatives for review and clarification to finalize the draft. It is expected that the client or a permitted representative will have access to email so that the lawyer can send working drafts to the client for review and approval.
4. Depending on the documents and services requested, a turn around time is between 2 to 5 days. I will be able to provide an initial draft between 2 to 7 days. But it is highly recommended that the client review and sit on the initial draft provided by my office for several days before approving the final draft. I will NOT accept cases where I am forced to complete a matter within a day.
The Client's responsibility:
1. Provide all relevant identifications, notes from doctors or social workers (where relevant), papers including insurance, locations of assets and financial institutions, pensions, marriage and divorce certificates, adoption documents etc.
2. Arrange for 2 witnesses who are not named or related to the any person named within the estate documents. If you require my office to arrange for the witnesses on your behalf, the fee for each witness to be paid directly to the witness will be $75.
3. Payment for services rendered at the completion of the requested services in cash, electronic, or cheque in the lawyer's name.
Review for completion and accuracy of your Estate Documents drafted by other law firms and lawyers are FREE if you can scan and email the documents to my office. Please do not send the ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
If you would like to receive a questionnaire for estate planning options, please email my office at vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com
1. Wills and Codicils drafted by lay persons or from a kit for use in Canada
2. Power of Attorney for Property drafted by lay persons or from a kit for use in Canada
3. Power of Attorney for Personal Care drafted by lay persons or from a kit for use in Canada
4. Affidavits of Execution of Wills and Powers of Attorney drafted by lay persons or from a kit for use in Canada
5. ILA Certificate - Independent Legal Advice Certificates for Mortgages, Divorce and Separation Agreements etc.
6. Legal Opinion Letter for Recognition of a Foreign Divorce Court Order/ Divorce Decrees in Ontario for Re-marriage.- Marriage Application in Ontario.
I will make certified true copies of the above documents if they were drafted by a lawyer and properly executed and notarized/commissioned. The fee will be the same as notarization as listed above.
I will notarize limited powers of attorney for use outside Canada exp. for purchasing or selling a home, taking a loan, or opening a bank account, in a foreign country like the United States or India etc. The fee will be the same as notarization as listed above.
I will also notarize do-it-yourself Divorce and Separation Agreements provided there is a clause wherein the parties acknowledging they have a right to seek independent legal advice but have instead decided to mutually agreeing to waive independent legal advice. Therefore, I will only be acting as a witness to the execution of the Divorce and Separation Agreements. The fee will be the same as notarization as listed above.
As a practising lawyer, I DO offer the above legal services and my fees will reflect the work and insurance coverage that I must consider when placing my seal on those documents. These are important documents that carry great risk of liability to my practice. The fees that I charge for notarization do not justify the risk of placing my good name and credentials on documents that have been drafted by lay persons or printed off the internet. The fees for these documents will start at $200.
1. Power Attorney for Personal Care = $250 Tax Included
2. Power Attorney for Property = $250 Tax Included
3. Powers of Attorney - Personal Care and Property = $400 Tax Included
4. Will = $300 to $500 Tax Included*
5. Will and 2 Powers of Attorney Combo = $700 to $900 Tax Included*
6. Mirror Couple Combo - 2 Wills 4 Powers of Attorney = $800 to $1000 - Tax Included*
7. Independent Legal Advice - ILA = $300 to $600 depending on legal issue, age and educational level the client, complexity, urgency, number of pages, and distance from my office. You will be expected to allot approximately a hour of your time or longer as necessary until you fully understand an oral independent legal advice and consultation regarding the agreement you will be entering into.
8. Legal Opinion Letter re. the validity and recognition of a Foreign Divorce Court Order/ Decree in Ontario - $200 to $300 Tax Included depending on urgency and disclosure of information including: 1) Name, DOB, and Contact Information of the parties; 2) Profession of the Parties; 3) Original Court Order/ Certificate/ Decree; 4) Dates of wedding and final divorce order; 5) Verifiers Information.
* Scale Fees Depending on:
1. Completion of Self-Administered Questionnaire
2. Urgency
3. Age of the Client
4. Underage Children
5. Real Estate Properties, Extra Provincial and International Assets
6. Family Composition (Divorce, Separation, Common Law Relationship, Blended Family etc)
7. Complex Trusts and Unusual Requests
8. Distance from the Lawyer's Office
9. Access to Email Communication
In addition, all of the above services will include the following:
1. Three Personal House Call Visits to the Client
- Intake - 30min to 90min consultation and Retainer Agreement
- Execution - Attendance for Execution - 30min
- Hand Over - Completed Original Estate Documents, Certified True Copies, Reporting Letters, Receipt.
2. All Original Estate Documents will be returned and given to the client in protective binder sleeves along with certified true copies, affidavits of execution, and reporting letters.
3. Ongoing communication via email with the client or permitted representatives for review and clarification to finalize the draft. It is expected that the client or a permitted representative will have access to email so that the lawyer can send working drafts to the client for review and approval.
4. Depending on the documents and services requested, a turn around time is between 2 to 5 days. I will be able to provide an initial draft between 2 to 7 days. But it is highly recommended that the client review and sit on the initial draft provided by my office for several days before approving the final draft. I will NOT accept cases where I am forced to complete a matter within a day.
The Client's responsibility:
1. Provide all relevant identifications, notes from doctors or social workers (where relevant), papers including insurance, locations of assets and financial institutions, pensions, marriage and divorce certificates, adoption documents etc.
2. Arrange for 2 witnesses who are not named or related to the any person named within the estate documents. If you require my office to arrange for the witnesses on your behalf, the fee for each witness to be paid directly to the witness will be $75.
3. Payment for services rendered at the completion of the requested services in cash, electronic, or cheque in the lawyer's name.
Review for completion and accuracy of your Estate Documents drafted by other law firms and lawyers are FREE if you can scan and email the documents to my office. Please do not send the ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
If you would like to receive a questionnaire for estate planning options, please email my office at vinhtranlaw@hotmail.com