Terms of Service
Effective date: July 2026.
These terms govern your use of NotaryByLawyer.ca and your booking of services through it. By using the site or booking an appointment you accept them. Notary By Lawyer is the trade name of Syed Zain Ali, Barrister and Solicitor, Notary Public and Commissioner for Taking Affidavits, licensed by the Law Society of Ontario; references to “I” and “me” in these terms mean Syed Zain Ali practising under that trade name.
What the website is, and is not
The site describes notarial and commissioning services and provides general information about Ontario document requirements. Nothing on it is legal advice, and reading it creates no lawyer-client relationship. A retainer for legal services, where offered, is a separate engagement confirmed in writing.
Appointments, fees and payment
Fees are as posted on the Pricing page or as quoted in writing before your appointment, plus applicable taxes. Payment is due when services are performed. Quotes assume the documents and facts you described; if the work differs on arrival, any revised fee is stated before proceeding and you may decline. Rescheduling is free with reasonable notice; mobile visit cancellations after departure, and appointments where a signing cannot lawfully proceed at the location, may incur the travel fee (confirm policy).
Professional discretion
Notarial and commissioning acts are performed only where legal requirements are met. Service will be declined, without liability, where identity cannot be verified, a signer does not appear to understand or act voluntarily, a document appears altered or unlawful, or the act requested is one the law does not permit, including remote requests for acts that must be performed in person.
Limitation of liability
Services are provided with the care required of an Ontario lawyer, supported by professional liability insurance as mandated by the Law Society of Ontario. To the extent permitted by law, liability for use of the website itself, as distinct from professional services rendered, is limited to the amount you paid through the site. Third-party sites linked from this one, including government resources, are outside my control and their content is their own.
Intellectual property and acceptable use
Site content is owned by Syed Zain Ali and may not be scraped, republished or used to train commercial systems without written permission. Do not use the site to transmit unlawful material or to attempt unauthorized access.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable in Ontario. Disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Ontario courts. If any term is unenforceable, the remainder stands. Terms may be updated; the posted version governs from its effective date.