Notary

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.

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

Yes. The sharing of mandates between notaries has always been permitted for the execution of certain tasks. What has changed with the legislation (Bill 23) is that the notary must now retain control over their file.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. The model is completely flexible. The notary can accept cases based on their availability, priorities, or profitability objectives.

Yes, of course. However, shared refinancing mandates with OPCO are generally less time-consuming, allowing notaries to free up resources for higher-value projects.

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.

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.

Once the original 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.

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.

The fear of how the Chambre might interpret the rules, the lack of clear directives, and the pressure of inspections have created a sense of legal uncertainty despite the confirmed legality of remote signings.

Because it represents an ethical and sustainable professional model, one that resists commercial pressure from third parties, preserves notarial independence, and optimizes practice time.

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.

In addition, 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!