HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLING AND MIGRATING SENIORS

Regardless of the type of document being kept safeguarded in Canada while on vacation, it is crucial that one’s trusted Representative can get them, if needed. If the documents are safe at home, make sure someone has a key and knows where to find them. If they are in a safe, the Executor or Attorney will need the combination or key. As a service, some Notaries will store these documents for clients, but again, the Executor/Attorney needs to have that information.

“Also make sure the Notary is well informed as to who should have access to those documents and under what circumstances,” says Kristy Martin, a Victoria Notary. “It might be better if their legal services provider already has the documents for quick access.”

Salvador adds that many people use safety deposit boxes to store their important documents but notes that this can become a problem if the Executor/Attorney does not have access to the box. If the Attorney/Executor is not actually signed on to the deposit box, they would need to produce an original Power of Attorney or Will and the key in order to access the contents. The only other alternative would be for the person to take their Attorney/Executor to the bank before they leave to sign them on as a signatory to the box.

Getting all of these documents in order before a vacation can take some of the worry out of traveling outside the country this winter.

The Society of Notaries Public of B.C. represents more than 320 highly trained Notary professionals. Most have locally owned and operated offices and all provide personal assistance to clients around the province. Individuals, families, and businesses seek the services of B.C. Notaries for a wide range of non-contentious legal matters, including residential and commercial real estate transfers, mortgage refinancing, Wills and advanced healthcare planning, Powers of Attorney, and other important documents.

The Notary’s Tradition of Trust spans 2,000 years. Notaries first came to British Columbia over 100 years ago. They continue to serve their valued clients and their communities across the province.

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Media contact:                                                   
Brenda Jones
brenda_jones@shaw.ca
604-312-1070

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