A notary public of the common law is a public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters. These matters are usually concerned with general financial transactions, estates, deeds, power of attorney, and foreign and international business. Notary public duties in Cameroon are aimed also at verifying the authenticity of documents and transactions. The consent of notaries is usually the final step. They also administer oaths and affirmations.
FUNCTION OF A NOTARY PUBLIC IN CAMEROON
- Estate: A Notary public play a central role when it comes to the purchase, sale, or lease of a property in Cameroon. They play a central role depending on who they represent be it the buyer, the seller, the mortgagor, or the mortgagee. This is because they advise clients in real estate-related transactions, examine deeds and other ownership documents, draw up transaction documents, verify from witnesses and authorities concerned and inform clients of the best options available. Notary public usually also handles the exchange of money in real estate transactions.
- Deeds: A Notary public is authorized to bear witness to a deed he draws up. As such it carries a particular legal force, statements made in a notarial deed such as that the document has been read to the parties or that a person has made or signed a declaration in his presence. Statements carried in a deed provide full evidence unless falsification has been proved.
- Financial transactions: A Notary for financial services is a professional who can provide a number of important services related to finances. Notaries can help in the preparation of financial documents, the administration of oaths, and the witnessing of signatures. They can also provide guidance on financial matters and also help resolve disputes.
- Power of Attorney: A Power of Attorney needs to be signed before a licensed notary public in Cameroon in order to be legally binding. The notary public is a representative of the government in Cameroon and their job is to verify the identity of the signer, ensure they are signing of their own free will, and witness the signing.
- Foreign and International Business: The role of a notary public in Cameroon as regards international business includes: attestation of documents and certification of their due execution for use internationally. Preparation and certification of Wills, deeds, contracts, and other legal documents for use internationally.
- Affidavits: The notary public in Cameroon is there to ensure the validity of the signature and guarantee that the signature was applied voluntarily and without coercion. Once the affiant acknowledges signing the document for its intended purpose and signs the affidavit, the document is notarized and becomes a sworn affidavit.