Notarissen

Notarissen are civil-law notaries in Dutch-speaking jurisdictions. They are public legal professionals who draft, attest and preserve certain types of legal acts. While they operate in private practice, they act as impartial authorities with a mandate to ensure the authenticity, legality and proper form of significant documents. Their role contrasts with that of common-law lawyers who primarily represent clients in disputes.

Typical duties include drafting and executing authentic deeds for real estate transfers, wills and succession planning, marriage contracts and prenuptial agreements, company formations, mergers and reorganizations, and the authentication of signatures and copies. Notarissen maintain official notarial archives and issue certified copies of deeds. Notarial acts have a presumption of authenticity and are frequently used to settle property titles, estates and corporate matters.

Notaries are independent professionals who owe fiduciary duties to all clients and are bound by professional secrecy and ethical standards. They assess the legal consequences of acts, explain implications to clients, warn about risks, and avoid conflicts of interest. Their acts are governed by national law and overseen by courts or public authorities, with formal avenues available for complaints or disciplinary action if standards are not met.

To become a notaris, one typically completes a law degree and a specialized post-graduate training in notarial law, followed by admission to the profession. In the Netherlands and Belgium, the profession is organized under national bodies and subject to formal oversight. In civil-law systems, the notary plays a central role in making private transactions legally robust and publicly trustworthy.