This is general information to point you in the right direction, not legal advice or an endorsement of any adoul. Papers, competence and procedure depend on the deed and the facts, so talk to an adoul before handing over your file.
In short
An adoul (notary-witness for family and many civil deeds) receives and writes adoulaire deeds and keeps their records, under a judge's oversight. Marriage, inheritance, powers of attorney and some property deeds are typical examples, but every case is looked at on its own. Bring your papers and ask whether your case is one for them.
What to bring to the adoul
Step by step
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Say exactly what you need recorded
Before the first visit
Is it a marriage, an inheritance, a power of attorney, a property deed or another kind of testimony? A vague label isn't enough: the adoul needs the facts and the papers to tell you whether the case is theirs and how it will go. Call the office before you go and ask for the list of documents.
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Let the adoul check identity and papers
At the office
Bring your national ID card and every paper linked to the case, originals and copies. The adoul checks the identity and legal capacity of the parties and the exact subject of the deed. The list depends on the deed, so ask what's missing before you leave and save yourself a second trip.
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Understand the two adouls and the judge
When the testimony is taken
As a rule, two adouls take the testimony together, except in special cases or with a judge's permission (article 27 of Law 16.03). The deed is then written up and sent to the judge in charge of notarial matters, who reviews and endorses it. Ask the adoul which stage your file has reached.
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Ask for copies and know who keeps the original
After the judge's endorsement
Once the procedure is complete, the original goes to the rights-holders, and copies are issued from the registers or archives under the applicable rules (articles 33 to 38). Ask who receives the original, how many copies you'll need and where you'll hand them in. Keep a photocopy at home.
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Check the adoul and agree on everything clearly
Before handing over the file
Look the adoul up by name or city in the Ministry of Justice's national directory of legal and judicial professions. Then agree clearly on the document, missing papers, copies, fees and costs. We found no recent official source that publishes adoul fees, so ask about them from the start.
The official route
National directory of legal and judicial professions
Before you go, check the adoul in the official directory. Then visit the office with the papers you have, and they'll give you the list that fits your case.
The people who can help
Do you work in this field? People in your city read this guide.
Add your profileAdoul, notary or lawyer: who do I need?
- Adoul: for adoulaire deeds, such as marriage papers, inheritance, powers of attorney and some property deeds.
- Notary: for authentic deeds governed by the notarial law, or ones you want made official.
- Lawyer: for advice, a dispute or a court case.
Not sure? Call the office and sum up your situation in one sentence. The adoul will tell you whether the case is theirs or another professional's.
Fees
We found no recent official source that publishes adoul fees, so we give no figures. Ask the adoul about fees and costs before you start.
References
Sources: Law 16.03, its implementing decree and the Ministry of Justice's national directory of legal and judicial professions. Draft Law 16.22 is still a draft and is not treated as law in force.
Adouls in your city
On Hdaya you can find adouls near you, look at their profiles and talk to them before you visit the office.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between an adoul and a notary?
An adoul takes adoulaire testimony under the law that organises the profession; a notary drafts authentic deeds governed by the notarial law, or ones the parties want made official. The document and the facts decide which one you need, and some files, such as certain property deeds, can also go through an adoul.
Is an adoul a lawyer?
No. An adoul writes the adoulaire deed and sees its procedure through. A lawyer advises you, represents you and defends you in the areas the law allows.
Do I always need two adouls?
As a rule, yes. The law requires two adouls and lists cases where one alone takes the deed, with a judge's permission or under a specific text. Ask the adoul what applies to your case.
Is the new adoul law 16.22 in force?
No, it's still a draft on the Ministry of Justice portal. The law in use today is Law 16.03 and its decree. If you hear of a change, ask your adoul for the latest.
Official sources
- Law 16.03 on the adoulaire profession — Ministry of Justice
- Decree 2.08.378 applying Law 16.03 — Ministry of Justice
- Projects of laws — Ministry of Justice
- National electronic directory of legal and judicial professions — Ministry of Justice
Procedures change. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will check it again.