As with any profession, the world of the Notary is full of unusual terms and phrases which are commonplace within it, but which are never used and rarely understood outside of it. Some of these words are terms of art with unique definitions. You can visit our notary glossary if you have a specific query, but here are some unusual words that Vancouver notaries use in their practice. If you've heard from your overseas lawyer with a word that is unclear to you, we'd be pleased to assist. If you want any other words clarified, or if you want to book a notarization appointment, please send us an email or call Brosgall Legal | Notary Services at 604-685-2326. You may also visit our home page for further information.
Allonge
A slip of paper annexed to a negotiable instrument, for the purpose of adding additional endorsements (signatures) when there is insufficient space on the bill itself. An endorsement written on the allonge is deemed to be written on the bill itself. From French allonger, (to draw out).
Apostille
Apostille certificates are used in many countries to legalize documents for use in other countries. Apostilles is essentially an international notarial seal - a foreign method of legalizing documents. Canada is now a signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents. Brosgall Legal | Apostille Services can assist you with your international file. The word apostille comes from the French postille - meaning marginal note, which is from the Medieval Latin post illa verba, meaning after these words.
Attestation
To bear witness to, to sign a document as a witness, or to affirm as correct. The act of executing a document and bearing witness to its authenticity, by signing one's name to it to affirm that it is genuine. An attestation is a declaration by a witness that an instrument has been executed in his or her presence according to the formalities required by law. It is not the same as an acknowledgment, which is a statement by the maker of a document that verifies its authenticity. An attestation clause is frequently found in legal documents that must be witnessed if they are to be valid, for example, a Will. It states that the instrument has been completed in the manner required by law in the presence of the witness or witnesses who place their signature in the designated space.
Codicil
A document that modifies the terms of a Will. A supplement or addendum to a Will.
Endorsement
The placing of one's signature, instructions, etc., on a document. Also, the application of a stamp to a document, such as a certified copy.
Ex Officio
A latin term meaning 'by virtue of office'. The mere fact that a person holds a specific title or position gives them privileges, power, and authority. For example, Section 14(3) of the B.C. Legal Profession Act grants practising lawyers the ex officio right to use the style and title of "Notary Public in and for the Province of British Columbia," and allows them to exercise all the powers, rights, duties and privileges of the office of notary public.
Jurat
A jurat is the section of an affidavit or statutory declaration that must be completed by the notary, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths. Jurats require the signer to swear under oath. The jurat should include the date the statement was sworn, the place where the statement was sworn, and the signature of the commissioner before whom the statement was sworn. Pursuant to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of B.C., the commissioners name, designation, and if appropriate, expiry date of appointment, must clearly appear in the jurat. A jurat is completed under penalty of perjury.
Locus Sigilli
Latin for 'place of seal'. Often abbreviated as L.S., which indicates where the notary seal should be placed on a notarized document.
Scilicet
'S.S.' is the abbreviation for 'scilicet' - a Latin term meaning "namely" or "in particular." It is the predecessor of today's familiar, and required, venue element. The pronunciation is 'SILL-le-cet.'
The venue section on most notarial certificates will appear as follows:
State of _________
County of ________
For these, the notary simply fills in the state and country. However, the abbreviation 'S.S.', (or scilicet) still makes an occasional appearance.
The following example uses the abbreviation S.S.:
State of _________
County of ________ S.S.
The second line translates as: 'County of (name of the county) in particular'. The notary simply fills-in the name of the county where the notarial act actually occurred.
Here's an example that uses an S.S. with the added requirement of inserting the Town/City:
State of _________
County of ________ S.S. (Town/City)
In this usage, the S.S. indicates that the notary should further specify the venue by including the town or city name following the county name.
The important factor when dealing with S.S. notations is for the notary to indicate the venue with the standard required information of state and county. Once this is done, the notary must then decide whether the S.S. notation on the certificate is requiring additional information such as the town or city, or whether the S.S. is simply a formality that was already satisfied by noting the county name. In most all cases, it will be the latter. In Canada, State and County are akin to Province and City.
Testator or Testatrix
The person making a will. Also known as Testatrix (for females).
Vancouver Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, and Lawyer
Brosgall Legal's owner and principal, Adam Brosgall, is an experienced Vancouver Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths, and Lawyer. He is fully qualified, licenced, and insured. If you have any questions, please feel free to send us an email, or call 604-685-2326 to book an appointment. Same day service and walk-ins are welcome.