Latvia initates Services of the Sworn Notaries on-line

The portal of the Latvian Sworn Notaries www.notary.lv offer on-line video advice and remote notarial services since 1 July 2018. Thus, for example, no one who spends a lot of time abroad have to come to Latvia to grant his or her agent a Power of Attorney, e.g., to deal with property management issues or receive mail, or to perform any other activities. 

Now, it is possible to receive such on-line services as granting a Power of Attorney or a consent, opening an inheritance case, receiving legal advice, formalizing a divorce, preparations for the sale of a property and completion of the respective transaction, and making a will. The notariate of Latvia is the first in the Baltic States to become so close to our customers by means of on-line services available at www.latvijasnotars.lv.

“So far many important legal issues were not settled, most probably, because people could never spare a moment to come to a notary office. On-line video sessions make notaries even more accessible, when needed. It is of great use to approximately 200,000 Latvians, who live and work abroad. However, even those who reside in Latvia and have never had time or will to set up an appointment with a notary, as well as businesses will benefit, as they will be able to quickly settle matters requiring a notary remotely. And speed is of utmost importance if you want to succeed. Remote notarial services are a must in the world driven by current trends, and this approach is unavoidable in the legal profession and the judicial system,” explains Jānis Skrastiņš, the Chairman of the Latvian Council of Sworn Notaries. 

You can request an on-line video consultation at www.notary.lv under “Find notary” ("Meklēt notāru") by selecting any notary and indicating, when you need, e.g., an on-line Power of Attorney. To be able to enjoy this service you need a light and quiet room, a stable Internet connection, a computer, a web camera, a microphone and headphones or a speaker, your e-signature, passport or eID card, and an on-line banking account. 

“Remote services have proven to be extremely useful in many other areas. Of course, there will always be those, who prefer a personal visit. Most probably, remote notarial deeds will not replace traditional deeds in any foreseeable future, though both forms will coexist and be available concurrently. Notaries also have to get used to working remotely, and these new changes will be introduced gradually for both parties to be able to appreciate their benefits. However, it is already clear that this approach is quite advanced and will allow me and my colleagues to provide legal assistance to our clients in a more convenient way. Of course, for some time we, the notaries, as well as our current and future clients will have to learn and adapt to the new environment, thus, we will greatly appreciate all comments and proposals for improvement for the safety and comfort to go hand in hand in the new digital environment,” Jānis Skrastiņš invites to assess and comment on the new developments at the notariate of Latvia. 

Like in other cases, the cost of on-line services will depend on the type of service needed. For example, an on-line consultation session will cost as much as an off-line one, namely, EUR 10.96/hour. It will be possible to pay for the received services from any bank. Sworn Notary Jānis Skrastiņš underlines that electronic means are to make one’s life easier, but on-line services of the Latvian Council of Sworn Notaries will also allow to save money and time, as the respective procedures will be completed in one office, including the delivery of documents to various other bodies, e.g., the Land Book.