Here’s how to get ready for your an appointment to make a still alive document, sometimes also called a foreign pension document, or a proof of life document.
Bring the original document you need to sign
The Notary needs to take your signature on the original document, so please bring that.
We need to see the person themselves!
We need to see the person we are saying is still alive.
Again, please read the document to see if the person needs to make any formal declarations or statements under oath, as they will need to be mentally capable in order to do that. If they are being asked to sign a declaration or an oath, and they are not mentally capable, please check with the people who provided the document to you for further instructions.
Check any instructions you received on the still alive document
Check with the people who are asking you for this still alive document, to see if they have any special instructions we need to follow.
For example, some documents for foreign schools or identification documents require us to include special language in the certificates we put on these documents. It’s important to make sure you tell us about these special language requirements before we begin our work.
Yes, you still need your ID, especially for a still alive letter
We have to identify our clients, especially when we are telling foreign countries that a person is in fact still alive. Please remember to bring your two pieces of current, government-issued ID, one of which needs to have a photo.
If You Need Some Help
Getting assistance from a family member or friend
Some of our clients find it helpful to bring a family member or friend to their appointment, or to have someone help them prepare their paperwork beforehand. This is fine, as long as your helper is just helping you, and not forcing you to do something you don’t want to do.
If someone else is completing this form or gathering your documents on your behalf, please make sure they have your instructions and that you have reviewed everything before your appointment. The work we do is for you, not them, and we will need to speak with you directly at your appointment.
Using a Power of Attorney
If you are signing for someone as an Attorney under a BC Power of Attorney, please let us know as early as possible. We will need to see the original Power of Attorney, and have you sign additional paperwork showing you still have the authority to act.
Please note that we will still need to see the Adult themselves.
How long will this take?
Your appointment should take about 15 minutes if you have:
- you have a standard documents which is only a few pages in length
- proper identification documentation
If you have more than that, or are signing by way of a Power of Attorney, it may take longer. Much depends on:
- how many pages are in the document
- whether the document comes with any special instructions, such as a requirement for a certified true copy.
If your document is going to take longer than the standard 15 minute appointment, we will let you know. Additional fees may apply for longer appointments.
Be Kind
It’s always surprising to have to say this out loud, but we do not tolerate abuse of our staff, ourselves or the legal system.
We will refuse service to persons who are rude, abusive, who throw things or have tantrums. And yes, these are all real-life things that have happened.
We will also refuse you service if you appear to be asking for this service for invalid documents, or for documents which may be used in fraudulent or suspicious circumstances.
We love helping our clients within our professional obligations, and will often go out of our way to help where we can. When we can’t help, we will always let you know.