Commissioning Affidavits Policy

Purpose

Licensed paralegals in Ontario are commissioners for taking affidavits. This policy explains how NEO commissions affidavits and statutory declarations properly.

Our policy

1. Identity. We confirm the identity of the person swearing or declaring, using government-issued photo identification.
2. The person's own document. The person must be present and must swear or affirm, or declare, that the contents are true. We don't commission a document for someone who isn't there, or whose identity we can't confirm.
3. Understanding. We check that the person understands the document and is signing it voluntarily. If language is a barrier, we use a qualified interpreter, who also swears or affirms as the law requires.
4. Completing the jurat. We complete the jurat correctly, with the date and place, and sign with our name and title as a commissioner.
5. Exhibits. Each exhibit is marked and signed as the rules require.
6. Remote commissioning. Where a person can't attend in person, we commission by video only in the way Ontario law allows, including confirming identity and recording the steps taken.
7. Not legal advice. Commissioning a document is not advice about its contents. If a person needs advice on the document, we tell them, and can offer it as a separate service.
8. Records. We keep a record of each commissioning, including the identification checked.

Review

This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and whenever the Law Society's By-Laws or rules change. The principal approves every change.

Questions

Email info@neolegalservices.com, call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, or write to us at Unit 236, 1099 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario L1V 1B5.