Arranging a certified translation, then notarizing or commissioning it.
Canada joined the Apostille Convention in January 2024, so many documents for member countries now need an apostille from the province or Global Affairs Canada, which set their own timing. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)
What is included
Reviewing the receiving country's or office's written requirements
Commissioning or witnessing the document in the form those requirements call for
Coordinating the apostille or authentication with the correct government office
Coordinating a certified translation, if needed
What is not included
Drafting the document or advising on its contents, unless that is a separate service
Government, apostille, courier and translation costs
Drafting or advising on wills, powers of attorney or real estate documents, which is a lawyer's work
Confirming that the contents of the document are true
Who this service is for
People who need an affidavit or statutory declaration for a government office, bank, insurer or school
People filing a sworn document at a tribunal or in Small Claims Court
Parents who need a travel consent letter commissioned
Businesses with several documents to commission
Information to have ready
1The original document
2The destination country and the receiving office's written instructions, including who must sign
3Valid photo ID
4Any translation requirements
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost?+
The fee is $100 plus 13% HST ($113.00 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.
What happens when I check out?+
You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.
What is an apostille?+
An apostille is a certificate that confirms the origin of a public document for use in another country that is a member of the Apostille Convention.
What if the country is not a member?+
The document may need authentication in Canada and then legalization by that country's embassy or consulate.
Are there other rules to check?+
Often yes. Many receiving offices set rules about who must sign (some require a notary public), translations, how recent the document must be and its format, so check before the appointment.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
The office receiving the document decides whether it accepts it
A document cannot be commissioned if identity cannot be confirmed or the signer does not understand it
Commissioning does not check or confirm the contents
The firm commissions and witnesses documents as Ontario law allows, but does not draft or advise on documents outside a licensed paralegal's scope, such as wills, powers of attorney or real estate documents; that work is referred to an Ontario lawyer.