--- title: Services (Notary) description: Simplify your notarial procedures with our cooperative network. Benefit from efficient support for your refinancing, anywhere in Quebec, with available and competent notaries. --- # Notary Simplify your notarial procedures, thanks to a human and efficient network, wherever you are. Notary The administrative workload and responsibilities of notaries in Québec continue to increase, especially with the introduction of new legislation such as the parental union regime. Notaries who are members of the COOP benefit from tangible support through a unique mandate-sharing model. OPCO handles most of the administrative and legal work related to the files, acting as a dedicated office that centralizes these operations. This support allows notaries to save valuable time, work with confidence, and boost productivity, while focusing on their essential role with clients. **Become a member today!** ![Notaires-hero](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Notaires-hero.png) ![Customer Service](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/client_img.png) Services What services do we offer? Select a service below to learn more about the process. - Refinancing - Refinancing with transfer - Mortgage Assumption with Transfer Refinancing A shared mandate, perfectly orchestrated Each stakeholder plays a well-defined role in handling the file, with specific responsibilities clearly established in the contractual agreement: - OPCO manages the opening and preparation of the file. - The COOP assigns the notary.  - The notary meets the client and finalizes the transaction. **Sharing mandates** between notaries is legal and has always been authorized for the execution of certain tasks. To learn more, contact us or scroll down the page to consult our FAQ. **OPCO** - File opening - Drafting of mortgage and credit agreement - Verification of titles and certification of mortgage ranking - Management of mortgage statements - Sending documents to the assigned notary via our secure portal - 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 NOTARY** - Booking appointments - Explanation of documents - Client identification and signature - Registration of mortgage deed in Land Registry Refinancing with transfer A shared mandate, perfectly orchestrated process Each stakeholder plays a well-defined role in handling the file, with specific responsibilities clearly established in the contractual agreement: - OPCO manages the opening and preparation of your file. - The COOP assigns the notary  - The notary meets the clients and finalizes the transaction. **Sharing mandates** between notaries is legal and has always been authorized for the execution of certain tasks. To learn more, contact us or scroll down the page to consult our FAQ. **OPCO** - Analysis of the terms of the transfer with the parties (amount exchanged, tax adjustments, special clauses, etc.) - Verification of transfer taxes (welcome tax) - Analysis of the signed agreement to ensure its compliance with the discussed conditions - Complete production of the deed of transfer - Sending of the deed to the parties before the appointment (for review and validation) - Answers to legal questions before signing - Drafting of the mortgage, credit agreement, and required documents - Verification of titles and certification of mortgage priority - Management of mortgage statements - Sending of 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 - Drafting  - Billing **COOP** - Notary assignment **COOP MEMBER NOTARY** - Booking appointments - Explanation of documents - Client identification and signature - Registration of mortgage deed in Land Registery Mortgage Assumption with Transfer A shared mandate, perfectly orchestrated Each stakeholder plays a well-defined role in handling the file, with specific responsibilities clearly established in the contractual agreement: - OPCO manages the opening and preparation of your file. - The COOP assigns the notary - The notary meets the clients and finilizes the transaction. **Sharing mandates** between notaries is legal and has always been authorized for the execution of certain tasks. To learn more, contact us or scroll down the page to consult our FAQ. **OPCO** - Analysis of the terms of the transfer with the parties (amount exchanged, tax adjustments, special clauses, etc.) - Verification of transfer taxes (welcome tax) - Analysis of the signed agreement to ensure its compliance with the discussed conditions - Complete production of the deed of transfer - Sending of the deed to the parties before the appointment (for review and validation) - Answers to legal questions before signing - Request for disbursement of funds - Management of funds - Electronic transmission of notarized deed to client - Billing  **COOP** - Notary assignment **COOP MEMBER NOTARY** - Booking appointments - Explanation of documents - Client identification and signature - Registration of mortgage deed in Land Registery Benefits Everything is designed to optimize your practice. Practicing as a notary in Québec requires rigor, adaptability, and efficiency. By becoming a member of the COOP, you gain access to a structured cooperative model that reduces your administrative workload, increases your profitability, and allows you to focus on what matters most: your legal expertise. ![icon-dossier](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Icons/icon-dossier.svg) ##### High-value files The process is optimized to significantly reduce the notary’s administrative workload. Fees are fixed, transparent, and include taxes, making planning easier. In addition, each notary can choose their level of involvement, allowing for flexible management of profitability. ![icon-revenu-spp](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/icon-revenu-spp.svg) ##### Additional income The production cost of a refinancing file, in terms of time and staff, is significantly higher when handled entirely in-house. By comparison, processing through the network with OPCO Notaires inc. allows for a more efficient allocation of resources. ![ICON-LOCATION-notary](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/ICON-LOCATION-notaire.svg) ##### Flexible appointments The notary can choose their working method, in person, online, or a combination of both, in accordance with the exceptional measures established by the Chambre des notaires du Québec. These options are available throughout Québec, including in remote regions. Fees are adjusted accordingly, with an additional charge for online appointments and for signings in remote regions. The system makes it possible to quickly schedule an appointment based on the realities of both the notary and the client, offering great flexibility. ![icon-tech](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/icon-tech.svg) ##### Technology Benefits The notary portal enables secure document exchange and file monitoring. We are continuously improving our infrastructure and integrating new tools such as biometric identity verification to support a modern, efficient practice that meets the highest security standards. ![icon-client](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/icon-client.svg) ##### Opportunities for New Clients Each client met for a refinancing signing represents an opportunity to build a long-term relationship, thereby fostering client development. In addition, we refer all requests for complementary services (wills, mandates, sales, etc.) to COOP members who wish to receive them. ![icon-ristourne](https://lacoop.org/hubfs/Icons/icon-ristourne.svg) ##### A member dividend As a member of the COOP, the notary becomes a co-owner and takes part in decision-making, in a spirit of transparency and inclusion. Annual dividends are determined collectively at the general assembly, reflecting the cooperative values of sharing and democratic governance. ## 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) Customer 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 La COOP Your Mortgage Refinancing Experts This video explains the steps involved in a mortgage refinancing with the 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. What is the difference between OPCO Notaires inc. and The COOP? The COOP is an association of notaries specializing in mortgage refinancing. In collaboration with OPCO Notaires inc., a firm dedicated to file management, we provide a consistent solution across Québec, designed to meet the expectations of financial institutions while fully respecting the role of the notary. This sharing of mandates between legal professionals allows us to simplify the process, reduce production costs, and accelerate turnaround times, to the benefit of all parties involved Is sharing mandates between notaries legal? Yes. The sharing of mandates between notaries has always been allowed for carrying out certain tasks. Bill 34 requires that notaries keep full responsibility for drafting the files. The management can easily be shared between two offices. How does the mandate sharing model with OPCO Notaires inc. work? OPCO Notaires inc. acts as an administrative agent and takes charge of all legal and administrative operations of the file, including coordination, the collection of information and documents, and follow-up with financial institutions. The member notary, meanwhile, is responsible for meeting with the client, explaining the legal documents, obtaining signatures, and registering the deed with the land registry. Each party has a clearly defined role within a contractual agreement, ensuring efficient, transparent processing in full compliance with professional standards. For more information about this agreement, please feel free to contact us. To learn more about this agreement, please contact us. What is the difference between mandate sharing and delegation? Sharing consists of dividing tasks between notaries, with each assuming professional responsibility for their part. Delegation, on the other hand, involves the transfer of responsibility, which is not permitted for the officiating notary. Who is liable in the event of an error in a shared mandate? Each party assumes full responsibility for the tasks they have performed. OPCO guarantees the quality of its interventions, while the COOP notary is responsible for those related to the client meeting and advisory duty, the signing, and the registration of deeds. Who answers client questions? OPCO handles administrative and procedural matters and answers client questions throughout the file production process. OPCO is always available to respond to client inquiries both before the meeting with the COOP notary and after the meeting. The COOP notary, however, retains responsibility for the advisory duty toward the client and for explaining the legal effects of the deed signed by the client. Is the model compliant with Bill 23 and does it respect the ethical rules of notaries? Yes. Our model fully complies with Bill 23 as well as all ethical rules. OPCO is a duly constituted notarial firm, governed by the ethical standards of notaries and the Chambre des notaires. Unlike other business models that were forced to cease operations, our structure is founded, managed, and operated exclusively by notaries. This ensures strict compliance with the laws and regulations of the profession. How does OPCO Notaires inc. differ from a provider like FCT? OPCO is run by notaries, for notaries, whereas FCT is a third-party company whose mission is to sell title insurance. Unlike OPCO, FCT is not subject to the laws and regulations governing the notarial profession. How are files assigned to COOP members? The COOP assigns files by giving priority to notaries located in the client’s region, in order to encourage in-person meetings and strengthen the bond between the professional and the community. Mandates are distributed based on the client’s postal code and the shortest possible turnaround times, through an electronic assignment system developed by the COOP. This approach is designed not only to maximize proximity and service quality, but also to promote the** **development of local business relationships and** **support the regional economy. Can the notary choose the number of files they take on? Yes. The model is completely flexible. The notary can accept cases based on their availability, priorities, or profitability objectives. Can a notary refuse a mandate if they are too busy? Yes, of course. However, shared refinancing mandates with OPCO are generally less time-consuming, allowing notaries to free up resources for higher-value projects. Can the client suggest a notary? Yes. The client can suggest a notary of their choice. If this notary is not yet a member of the COOP, we will provide them with all the necessary information so they can quickly join and handle the case. What are the notary fees with the COOP? The fees paid to the notary are fixed, transparent, and include taxes. They vary depending on the type of file, the method of signing (in person or online), and the client’s location. Appointments carried out online or in remote regions are subject to an additional charge. This structure ensures predictable revenue and simple, fair management for all. Please feel free to contact us to obtain the complete fee schedule. How is the notary paid? Once the signed documents are received and the funds are released by the financial institution, OPCO Notaires inc. will pay the assigned notary's fees on the following Wednesday. Is it legal to sign documents remotely? Yes. It is legal to sign remotely, but the notary must assess whether it is appropriate in each file. In addition, the request must come from the client and cannot be imposed by the notary. Why encourage a notary to join the COOP? Because it represents an ethical and sustainable professional model, one that resists commercial pressure from third parties, preserves notarial independence, and optimizes practice time. What does it cost to become a notary member of the COOP? To become a notary member of the Cooperative, you simply need to acquire a participation share valued at $10. This share is fully refundable at any time upon request, should you decide to withdraw from the COOP. It is also possible to subscribe to preferred shares in the amount of $990, intended to support the capitalization of the Cooperative, which also entitle you to an annual dividend. These shares may be refunded after a three-year period following their acquisition, in accordance with the Cooperatives Act. **Contact us today to become a member and enjoy all the benefits of the network!** ** **