Notarial acts

In Switzerland, notarial activity is mainly regulated by the cantons, so organization and powers differ by region. Notarial acts may include authentication of signatures, public deeds, certifications of copies, company formations, real-estate transactions, marital agreements, wills or declarations requiring a special form. The notary verifies identity, capacity and formal requirements, records declarations and preserves evidentiary reliability. Some transactions are invalid without the prescribed notarial form. For cross-border use, additional legalization or apostille procedures may be required.