Hey All,

  I need some help. I recieved an e-mail from a man wanting to make "The Bench" into a short film. He's from Spain and e-mailed me asking what a notary charge is over here (CANADA) for witnessing a contract as he'll send me the money for that in advance.

Any help on the topic would be much appreciated.

Hey, it looks like a notary is something different outside the United States. He may be talking about a Civil Law Notary, which is much like a lawyer, as opposed to a Notary Public here in the U.S. which is something completely different. Here is a Wikipedia link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notary

I think you should find out which he’s referring to and then contact a lawyer about what to do if necessary.

Correct - a Notary Public are much like lawyers as they are legally bound as witnesses. You can go to a Notary Public here in Canada so they can sign official and government papers (they will sign off on passport pictures etc..).

Around here, a Notary Public will charge $35 to witness a passport picture, so I'm thinking it will be around the same price for a small contract.

But - if you know lawyer who will witness you signing the paper for free - I'd do that.

Stew

Is a notary required for a contract or can you do one without?

I've never had to have my contracts signed by a witness - so off hand I'd say no. BUT, if the contract specifically asks for a bonded witness to sign, then unfortunately that is the case.

Thanks for the help Duff and Breanne.