---
title: Services (Customer)
description: Simplify your notarial procedures with La COOP, a committed network of notaries offering modern, accessible services throughout Quebec.
---

# Client

Refinancing,   
and so much more

 Client

Whether your refinancing is standard, related to a separation or an estate, or whether you simply need a discharge, the COOP is here to support you in any situation.

Thanks to our cooperative model, you benefit from a service that is accessible, people-focused, and supervised by member notaries across Québec.

Our members also offer a complete range of legal services.

**Contact us to learn more about everything we provide!**

![Customer Service](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/client_img.png) ![Customer Service](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/client_img.png)

 Services

 What services do you offer?

Select a service below to find out more about the process.

- Refinancing
- Refinancing with Transfer
- Mortgage Assumption with Transfer
- Mortgage Discharge

 Refinancing

 A shared mandate, perfectly orchestrated

A refinancing consists of replacing an existing mortgage with a new one in order to obtain a better rate or access the equity in the property.

**Each refinancing is managed by a coordinated team where everyone has a defined role:**

- OPCO manages the opening and preparation of the file
- The COOP assigns a notary to the file
- The notary meets with the client and finalizes the transaction

**OPCO **

- Opening the file
- Drafting of mortgage, credit agreement and required documents
- Verification of titles and certification of mortgage rank
- Management of mortgage statements
- Sending documents to the notary assigned to the file
- Request for disbursement of funds
- Management of funds
- Repayment of previous lender (mortgage transfer, personal debt)
- Electronic transmission of notarized deed to client
- Discharge
- Billing 

**COOP**

- Notary assignment

**COOP MEMBER NOTARY**

- Booking appointments
- Explanation of documents
- Client identification and signature
- Registration of mortgage deed in Land Registery

 Refinancing with Transfer

 A shared mandate, perfectly orchestrated

A refinancing with transfer combines two legal operations:

- **Refinancing:** discharge of the existing mortgage and creation of a new one.
- **Transfer:** addition or removal of one or more people on the property title.

**Each file is managed by a coordinated team where everyone has a defined role:**

- OPCO manages the opening and preparation of the file
- The COOP assigns a notary to the file
- The notary meets with the parties and finalizes the transaction

**OPCO **

- Analysis of transfer terms with the parties (amount exchanged, tax adjustments, special clauses, etc.).
- Verification of transfer duties (welcome tax)
- Analysis of signed agreement to ensure compliance with conditions discussed
- Complete production of the deed of transfer
- Sending the deed to the parties prior to the appointment (for review and validation)
- Answers to legal questions prior to signing
- Drafting of mortgage, credit agreement and required documents
- Verification of titles and certification of mortgage rank
- Manage mortgage statements
- Sending documents to the notary assigned to the file
- Request for disbursement of funds
- Management of funds
- Repayment of former lender (mortgage transfer, personal debt)
- Electronic transmission of notarial deeds to parties
- Discharge
- Billing 

**COOP**

- Notary Assignment 

**COOP MEMBER NOTARY**

- Booking appointments
- Explanation of documents
- Identification of parties and receipt of signatures
- Registration of deeds in the Land Registery

 Mortgage Assumption with Transfer

 A shared mandate, perfectly orchestrated

A mortgage assumption occurs when a person takes over an existing mortgage, without it being discharged or replaced by a new loan.

This also involves a transfer of property rights to reflect the new owners, since one or more borrowers/owners may be added, removed, or both.

**Each file is managed by a coordinated team where everyone has a defined role:**

- OPCO manages the opening and preparation of the file
- The COOP assigns a notary to the file
- The notary meets with the parties and finalizes the transaction

**OPCO**

- Analysis of transfer terms with the parties (amount exchanged, tax adjustments, special clauses, etc.).
- Verification of transfer duties (welcome tax)
- Analysis of signed agreement to ensure compliance with conditions discussed
- Complete production of the deed of transfer
- Sending the deed to the parties prior to the appointment (for review and validation)
- Answers to legal questions prior to signing
- Request for disbursement of funds
- Management of funds
- Electronic dispatch of the notarial deed to the parties
- Billing 

**COOP**

- Assigns a notary to the file

**COOP MEMBER NOTARY**

- Booking appointments
- Explanation of documents
- Identification of parties and receipt of signatures
- Registration of the deed in the Land Registery

 Mortgage Discharge

 Turnkey Service

**OPCO processes your mortgage discharge request without delay.**

It is important to note that the signing of the discharge by the financial institution, as well as its registration with the Land Registry, are steps beyond our control.

- The financial institution’s signing delay is 2 to 4 months
- The Land Registry’s registration delay is approximately 3 months after receipt of the signed mortgage discharge

** **

** **

**OPCO**

- Opening a file
- Request for mortgage statement
- Obtaining power of attorney and resolution
- Preparation of discharge
- Signing of the discharge by a notary in the firm
- Publication of discharge
- Receipt of publication
- Notification of financial advisor and client once the discharge has been published
- Supporting documents sent
- Invoice sent

 Benefits

 Everything is designed to make your life easier

Navigating notarial services should never be complicated. Thanks to our cooperative model and a rigorously organized process, you benefit from fast, secure, and hassle-free service.

Everything is in place to simplify your process, no matter where you are in Québec.

![Icon Access](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Icons/icon-acess-light.svg)

##### Comprehensive Support

The file is managed centrally with six key players, ensuring a smooth and optimized process. The client has only two steps to complete: provide their information and documents to OPCO Notaires, and meet with a COOP notary to sign. The file is taken in charge as soon as the mandate is submitted by the financial institution, and the process begins immediately. Service runs without interruption, we never take vacations!

![Icon Portal](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Icons/icon-portal.svg)

##### WEB Portal

Clients have access to a secure portal to confidently share their information and sensitive documents. We are continuously improving the client platform and integrating innovative tools into our practice, such as biometric identity verification.

![Icon Network](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Icons/icon-network.svg)

##### Network of Notaries

The COOP brings together more than 250 notaries across Québec. We are able to serve all regions, including remote areas such as Gaspésie, Côte-Nord, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and Abitibi. Our model makes it possible to respond quickly to client needs based on the availability of local notaries.

![icon-wallet-client](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Icons/icon-wallet-client.svg)

##### Competitive Pricing

We offer fixed, competitive, and transparent pricing for all our services (refinancing, transfer, discharge). Even in remote regions, prices are regulated, making it easier for clients to plan financially.

![Icon Location](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Icons/icon-location.svg)

##### Flexible Appointments

COOP notaries can offer appointments either in person or remotely, in accordance with the exceptional measures established by the Chambre des notaires du Québec. This helps optimize timelines and adapt to each party’s constraints and availability. Clients in remote regions can benefit from remote appointments at an adjusted rate.

![icon-process-int-client](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Icons/icon-process-int-client.svg)

##### Integrated Process

We are the recommended provider for the processing of mortgage refinancing and work in collaboration with the designated financial advisor. Our fees are paid by the financial institution directly from the client’s account, which simplifies the payment process and ensures seamless handling.

## Structured support every step of the way

The file is managed centrally by six key players, ensuring rigorous, hassle-free processing.

![mask](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/mask.svg)

Financial institution

Approves, sends, disburses, pays (invoice)

Client

Completes,  
uploads,  
signs

OPCO

Authenticates, drafts, manages (funds, discharge)

COOP

Assigns a notary to the file

Notary

Explains,  
validates,  
receives signature,  
publishes

Third party

Former lender, other borrower, etc.

## A Seamless, Optimized, and Human Approach

Every file is processed in a consistent and optimized way, while fully respecting the notary’s fundamental role

 

 

![mask-process_en-v1](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/mask-process_en-v1.svg)

Opening the file

Gather information  
from customer

File production

Drafting  
of the mortgage deed

Appointment - Notary

Signature  
of mortgage deed

Disbursement / Repayment

Funds deposited, previous lender repaid

Billing

Invoice paid  
by financial institution

Closing the file

Final report, discharge, documents sent

 Discovery

 Understanding the refinancing process with COOP

 Your Mortgage Refinancing Experts

This video explains the steps involved in a mortgage refinancing with COOP, as well as the different parties involved in the process.

 The POWER of the Network

At the COOP, every case is supported by a united team of member notaries. Our cooperative approach fosters mutual support, transparency, and a streamlined service for all stakeholders.

[Contact us](https://lacoop.org/en/contact)

 F.A.Q.

 You have questions, we have answers

 Why a cooperative?

The responsibilities of notaries in Quebec are constantly growing, making their practice increasingly demanding. The COOP was founded with the goal of supporting notaries by reducing their administrative burden while keeping them at the heart of the case. This allows notaries to fully devote themselves to their true role: rigorously serving the public.

Our goal was also to modernize the refinancing process. In a highly competitive environment, it became essential to create a model capable of reducing costs for financial institutions and their clients, while protecting the integrity of the notarial profession.

The cooperative model represents, in our opinion, the most structured and equitable sharing economy vehicle to achieve this. It allows all interested notaries to receive files, and financial institutions to benefit from a uniform, compliant, and efficient service.

In addition, member notaries are co-owners of the COOP and participate in collective decisions during the general assembly, which no other business model allows.

 Who should I contact if I have a question about my file?

Even though several stakeholders are involved in processing your file, you have only one point of contact throughout the entire process: OPCO Notaires inc.

For any questions, simply email us, open a ticket through our website, or give us a call. We are here to support you from start to finish.

 Can I suggest my notary?

You can suggest your own notary. If your notary is not a member of the COOP, we will provide him with all the information he needs to join.

 What loans are eligible for the COOP’s refinancing program

The solution is aimed at refinancing single-family homes, condominiums, vacant lots and multi-unit properties of six (6) units or less. We can also handle transfers between borrowers, as well as mortgage assumption.

 How much does it cost?

The COOP offers fixed, competitive pricing across the province, with no hidden fees, you know what to expect from the start. For a detailed list of rates and included services, contact us by email, phone, or through our website. We’ll be happy to provide a personalized estimate tailored to your situation.

 How long does it take to process files?

Processing times vary depending on the nature of the case and the time of year. On average, a standard refinancing file takes 9 to 15 business days to complete, though more complex cases may require additional time.

During peak season (April to mid-July), we recommend allowing for a longer turnaround time.

 How do I pay?

With most of our partners, once the disbursement request has been made, OPCO Notaires inc. forwards the invoice to the financial institution, in accordance with the contractual agreement.

The financial institution is required to pay the invoice on behalf of the client, and the amount is debited directly from the client’s account.

OPCO then provides the client with a copy of the paid invoice, along with an electronic copy of the original documents.

 My loan is coming to term, and the timelines are too tight to proceed with repayment before the maturity date. Help!

No worries, this is a common situation, especially during peak season. Most banks place loans into an open term once the maturity date has passed, giving us enough time to proceed with repayment. You will pay daily interest, but no penalty. The details regarding your loan’s maturity are clearly noted in your file, and our team is committed to processing your request as quickly as possible to help you avoid unnecessary fees. If any information is missing, a member of our team will contact you.

 In the case of a mortgage transfer, who is responsible for repaying the former lender?

Our solution covers all procedures related to mortgage refinancing, including transfers from competing lenders. OPCO Notaires inc. takes care of:

- Requesting the disbursement from the new lender;
- Repaying the former loan (financial institution, private lender, or personal debts);
- As well as discharging the previous mortgage and drafting the mortgage discharge document.

Everything is handled in a centralized, efficient, and compliant manner, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.