Notary Services Glossary beginning with P

An instrument is the document, a signature on which you are notarizing. A party to the instrument is someone who is mentioned in the document either by name or by job title or classification or who would have some kind of beneficial or financial interest in the document. If you are a party to the instrument, then you have an interest in the transaction.  Also known as Party to the Transaction or a signatory.

An official document issued by governments which certify the holder's identity and citizenship and entitles them to travel under its protection to and from foreign countries. The official document issued to a person by his or her government certifying citizenship and requesting foreign governments to grant the individual safe passage, lawful aid and protection while under that government's jurisdiction.

Brosgall Legal often prepares certified or notarized copies of passports, as well as Statutory Declarations in Lieu of Guarantor (PPTC 132).

Giving false evidence or information while under oath, either in court or in a sworn document.

A Permanent Mission is a diplomatic post of a state to international organisations, such as the United Nations or the European Union. 

A notarized permission to travel letter (Travel Consent Letter) is sometimes required when a minor child is travelling overseas without both parents, alone, or with a third party.  Global Affairs Canada strongly recommends that children travelling abroad carry a permission to travel letter signed by every person with the legal right to make major decisions on their behalf, if that person is not accompanying the children on the trip. For example, children travelling alone, with groups, or with only one of their custodial parents or guardians should travel with a permission to travel letter.  A notarized permission to travel letter indicates who the child will be travelling with, where they are going, and the basic itinerary.  Confirmation is provided that the declarant gives the guardian full permission to take temporary custody of the child, giving them full responsibility for the child's social, medical, and economic welfare while travelling.  The letter includes information such as the name of the parent or guardian giving consent, and their occupation, address and telephone number.  Also included is the name of the person travelling with the child, their relationship, occupation, address and passport number.  Finally, the child's name, gender, date of birth and passport number is noted. 

A permission to travel letter may facilitate entry of a Canadian child into another country. However, carrying such a letter does not always guarantee entry, as permission to enter another country is entirely the decision of the foreign country. There may be other country-specific entry requirements. You should contact the Vancouver Consular Office of the country to be visited by the child to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information regarding specific entry requirements. For a more detailed explanation, please see an article we wrote on consent to travel for minors.

A persona non grata is a diplomat who, for one reason or another, is no longer accepted by the government to which he or she is accredited.

Appearing in person, face to face, in the same room with the Notary at the time of the notarization - not before and not after.

Personal Planning, which is sometimes called 'estate planning', is all about making the proper legal arrangements should you need help taking care of yourself or your affairs if you get sick, injured or disabled, and finally, in the event of your death. Personal planning, if done properly, can be very thorough, and can cover all aspects of your life including health care, personal care, and financial and legal affairs. Practically speaking, personal planning means the preparation and swearing of important financial, legal and healthcare documents that help manage and protect your interests moving forward. These documents ensure that people 'have their affairs in order'... before it is too late. 

The set of documents that ensure your interests are taken care of in the event you become incapable. These include:

• Powers of Attorney
• Temporary Subsititute Decision Maker (TDSM)
• Representation Agreements
• Health Care Directives
• Wills 

Familiarity with an individual resulting from interactions with that individual over a period of time sufficient to eliminate every reasonable doubt that the individual has the identity claimed.

These types of certificates are often required for Canadian immigration purposes, to confirm the applicant does not have a criminal record in the foreign jurisdiction.

The authority to act legally for another person.  Also the document authorizing a person to act as another's agent or representative.  Please see Principal and Attorney-in-fact for further information.

There are two primary types: Regular, and Enduring Power of Attorney.  An Enduring Power of Attorney is not revoked due to subsequent incapacity.

For BC Powers of Attorney, there are certain requirements that must be completed. 

Brosgall Legal assists clients with international Powers of Attorney for use in foreign jurisdictions. These need to be Apostilled to be legal and valid for use overseas - which we can do on your behalf.

When making a certifed copy, the 'primary document' is the original or source document being copied.

The person who signs a power of attorney allowing their attorney-in-fact to have certain powers to act on their behalf.

Many BC associations and professional colleges require statutory declarations and certified copies of materials as part of their registration process.  Please see the term: Statutory Declaration for Professional Registration, or read the article we wrote on this subject.

A legal contract in which the borrower promises to pay back a loan to the lender. The promissory note sets out the terms and conditions that apply to the loan repayment, such as interest rate, when payments are due, where payments are made, and what happens if payments are not made.

A document that certifies a witness personally appeared and affirmed to the notary that another person signed a document.