Areas of Practice
Notary Services
Professional, Convenient Document Notarization in Oshawa
When an organization, government office, court, school, employer, or other institution requires a notarized document, it is important to have the process completed correctly.
Sherine Forrest is a lawyer and Notary Public in Ontario. Forrest Law Practice provides professional in-person notary and commissioning services for individuals, families, and businesses in Oshawa, Durham Region, and surrounding communities.
Contact our office before your appointment so we can confirm the document requirements and let you know what identification or supporting materials to bring.
Our Notary and Commissioning Services
Certified True Copies
We can examine an original document and certify that a copy is a true copy of the original. This service may be required for identification, educational records, professional credentials, immigration-related documents, and other official records.
Affidavits and Statutory Declarations
We commission affidavits and statutory declarations by confirming the signer’s identity and administering the required oath, affirmation, or declaration.
Witnessing and Attesting Signatures
When a document requires a signature to be witnessed or its execution formally attested, we can verify the signer’s identity and complete the appropriate notarial certificate.
Travel Consent Letters
A travel consent letter may be requested when a child travels outside Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians. We can witness or notarize signatures on properly prepared consent documents.
Invitation and Authorization Documents
We assist with the notarization or commissioning of invitation letters, authorization letters, and other documents intended for submission to institutions or authorities.
Documents for Use Outside Canada
Some documents intended for another country may require notarization and additional authentication or apostille steps. We can complete the appropriate notarial act once you have confirmed the receiving organization’s requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a notary public and a commissioner for taking affidavits?
A commissioner can take affidavits and administer oaths, affirmations, and declarations. A Notary Public can perform those functions and can also witness or attest the execution of documents and certify true copies.
Can I sign my document before the appointment?
If your signature must be witnessed, do not sign the document beforehand. You will generally need to sign it in the presence of the lawyer or notary.
Can you certify a photocopy without seeing the original?
No. The original document must normally be examined before a copy can be certified as a true copy.
Can notarization be completed virtually?
Notarial services in Ontario must currently be completed in person. Some commissioning services may be available remotely when the applicable legal requirements can be satisfied. Please contact the office to discuss your document.
Does notarization make a document legally valid?
Notarization verifies specific formal matters, such as identity, signature, execution, or a true copy. It does not necessarily confirm the legal effect of the document or guarantee that another organization will accept it.
Do you provide legal advice about the document?
Notary services do not automatically include legal advice or document preparation. If you require advice about the meaning or legal consequences of a document, please let us know when booking so the appropriate service can be discussed.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To help your appointment proceed smoothly, please bring:
- The complete document requiring notarization or commissioning
- The original document when requesting a certified true copy
- Valid, current government-issued photo identification
- Any instructions supplied by the receiving organization
- Any required witnesses, if the document calls for them
Please do not sign the document in advance when your signature must be witnessed. Contact the office if you are uncertain about what to bring or whether your document can be notarized.
Before You Book
Notarization confirms matters such as identity, signature, execution, or the authenticity of a copy. It does not automatically verify that the contents of a document are accurate or that the document will be accepted by the organization receiving it.
Requirements can differ between institutions and countries. Before your appointment, confirm:
- Whether notarization or commissioning is required
- What type of identification must be presented
- Whether additional witnesses are needed
- Whether an apostille or another authentication step will follow
- Whether the receiving organization has provided specific wording or forms
Book a Notary Appointment
For professional notary and commissioning services in Oshawa, contact Forrest Law Practice. We will help confirm what you need to bring and arrange a convenient appointment.
Our team
Meet our award-winning team
Sherine Forrest
Founder • Wills, Estates, Real Estate & Family Law
Sherine Forrest is a licensed Ontario lawyer with an international background and a client-first approach. She helps families and individuals make confident decisions in estate planning, probate, real estate transactions, and family law matters.
Specialties:
Wills & Estates
Real Estate Law
Family Law
Professional background:
Ontario legal education and licensing
International legal experience
Estate planning, probate, real estate, and family law focus
Client Care Team
Support • Intake, Scheduling & Client Communication
Our team keeps communication clear, files organized, and consultations running smoothly so clients can focus on what matters most.
Specialties:
Client onboarding
Document coordination
Matter tracking and follow-up
Professional background:
Legal administration experience
Client service and case coordination
Law office operations support
Sherine Forrest
Founder • Forrest Law Practice
Sherine brings a calm, practical, and compassionate approach to every file. She takes time to understand each client's goals and delivers clear advice they can rely on.
Specialties:
Wills & Estates
Real Estate Law
Family Law
Professional background:
Licensed Ontario lawyer
International background and client-centered practice
Serving Oshawa and the Durham/Toronto region
Property Team
Support • Real Estate Closings
Our real estate support helps buyers, sellers, and lenders move through transactions with confidence, from agreement review to closing day.
Specialties:
Residential purchases and sales
Mortgage refinances and title transfers
Closing support and document review
Professional background:
Real estate transaction support
Property law and closing coordination
Client service across Ontario closings
Family Law Team
Support • Family Law Intake
Family law matters are handled with care, clear communication, and a solutions-focused process that respects each client's circumstances.
Specialties:
Separation agreements
Child custody and parenting arrangements
Child support and spousal support
Professional background:
Family law client support
Case coordination and documents
Appointment scheduling and follow-up
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about our legal services
What legal services does Forrest Law Practice provide?
We focus on Wills & Estates, Real Estate Law, and Family Law, including estate planning, probate, powers of attorney, residential closings, separation agreements, and parenting arrangements.
Do you help clients across Oshawa and the Durham Region?
Yes. We assist clients in Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Toronto, Markham, and surrounding Ontario communities.
Can Sherine help with both straightforward and complex matters?
Absolutely. Sherine provides practical legal guidance tailored to your situation, whether you need a will, a property transfer, or advice on a family law issue.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any relevant documents, a list of questions, and a summary of your goals so we can offer clear next steps from the start.
How do I get started?
Call our office, email Sherine, or book a consultation to discuss your legal concern and how we can help.