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New law affecting Notaries in Portugal |
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Portugal has introduced a highly controversial change in the law governing the purchase of properties in Portugal in an attempt to speed up proceedings. Using a Notary is now an option, no longer a legal requirement.
Solicitors, even Chambers of commerce can now carry out the transaction using certified copies of the relevant documentation such as Land Registry Documents. The biggest opposition comes for obvious reasons from the order of Notaries. Notaries are believed to generate more than 60% of their overall income from property related transactions. “The Order of Notaries believes that this new optional process is of high risk because notary legal control will no longer exist, ending strict public registration and archiving of authentic, witnessed contracts and public documents in conditions of complete legal security.” |
