Notary Services Glossary beginning with D

The title Dean of the Diplomatic Corps is, in most countries, given to the residing ambassador or high commissioner who has held accreditation for the longest period of time. In many catholic countries, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps is usually the Apostolic Nuncio.

An individual who has died. Also known as 'decedent'.

An individual who has died. Also known as 'deceased'.

The person who appears before a lawyer, notary or commissioner of oaths to swear an oath, make a declaration or affirmation is called the deponent or declarant.

If an applicant for a passport has not known an eligible guarantor for at least two years, he or she must complete a Statutory Declaration in Lieu of Guarantor (Form PPTC 132).  This form must be sworn or declared before, and signed by, a person authorized by law to administer an oath or solemn declaration, such as a notary or lawyer.

Signed legal instrument which is used to grant a right. A document by which a person conveys (transfers) real property. Two forms of Deed include:
    * Quitclaim Deed: a deed intended to pass any title, interest, or claim which the grantor may have in the real property, but not professing that such title is valid or containing any warranty for title.
    * Warranty Deed: a deed in which the grantor warrants or guarantees good clear title to the real property.

The person who appears before a lawyer, notary or commissioner of oaths to swear an oath, make a declaration or affirmation is called the deponent or declarant.

The process of giving sworn evidence. Deposition testimony is taken orally, with an lawyer asking questions and the deponent (the individual being questioned) answering while a court reporter records the testimony. Also known as Examination for Discovery. Depositions are a discovery tool, the process of assembling the testimonial and documentary evidence in a case before trial. Other forms of discovery include interrogatories (written questions that are provided to a party and require written answers) and requests for production of documents.

Previously, 'Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade', and 'Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada'. The proper current title of this department is Global Affairs Canada ('GAC').

GAC runs the JLAC Office, which is responsible for federal authentication and Apostille services.

A diplomat is a person who is involved in diplomacy. The diplomat is given special authority to act on behalf of the sending state in the states to which he or she is accredited.

The body of foreign diplomats assembled at a nation's capital. In cities where consuls and consul general are resident, the are collectively known as the consular corps. The dean of both corps is usually that official who had been at his post the longest. There are exceptions to this later rule, however. For example, in some Catholic countries, the papal nuncio is always the dean. The dean represents the corps in collective dealings with host country officials on matters of a ceremonial or administrative character affecting the corps as a whole.

Listed in order of precedence:
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary 
Ministers Plenipotentiary 
Ministers 
Charge d'Affaires ad hoc or pro tempore 
Charge d'Affaires ad interim 
Minister-Counselors 
Counselors (or Senior Secretaries in the absence of Counselors) 
Army, Naval and Air Attaches 
Civilian Attaches 
First Secretaries 
Second Secretaries 
Assistant Army, Naval and Air Attaches Civilian Assistant Attaches 
Third Secretaries and Assistant Attaches

A small triangular corner made of card stock used to reinforce the corner, prevent curling and tearing, and to keep valuable papers more secure. Document corners are used in combination with eyelets to permanently attach papers to notarial certificates. 

Having two or more responsibilities, such as an ambassador who is simultaneously accredited to two nations.

Constrained or compelled to do something, such as sign a contract or agreement, by threat, coercion, etc.