Many people in Brabant who are not well off find the threshold to go to the notary is too high. While they desperately need that help. That is why there should be a social notary who is paid by the government and notary offices, according to Rosmalense notary Yvonne Vleeshouwers.
A notary is required for arranging a prenuptial agreement, an inheritance or drawing up a will. That is required by law. But that quickly costs hundreds of euros and not everyone has that money. “If you have a simple will, it ‘only’ costs 500 euros, but if you have a complicated will it can easily cost 1500 euros. That is impossible for people with a small savings account,” says De Rosmalense notary. “Sometimes I help people for free, because it’s really necessary. But I want that opportunity to be available to everyone.”
“Many people find a notary too expensive and complicated.”
Vleeshouwers mainly focuses on family matters. Because she herself has a disabled son, she knows that certain things have to be arranged by a notary. “A lot of things are regulated by law. For example, if you die, your assets will be divided among your children. But if you have a disabled child or want to disinherit a child because you have no contact or quarrel, you should have that recorded in a will,” she explains.
“As a civil-law notary, I regularly give lectures to parents with disabled children or the elderly. I notice that many people find a visit to the notary too expensive.” Not only the high costs play a role. Many people do not have the knowledge in-house. “I often hear that many people don’t dare. They are often ashamed because they do not understand it.”
“I think it’s bad that people from poorer neighborhoods don’t get help.”
To help everyone who needs it, Vleeshouwers wants to work one day a week as a social civil-law notary at a Legal Counter in Den Bosch or a neighborhood square. Such a notary is then paid by the government or notary offices. “People come to our office with knowledge and equity. That’s why I want to offer my services in a place where people also need that help. It is of great social importance that people dare to visit us without shame.”
“My son lives in the Graafsewijk at the Cello care institution in Den Bosch. I don’t see people from such, somewhat poorer neighborhoods at our office. They probably need something too. I am very sorry that these people are not getting help. If you offer that yourself in a neighborhood like this, it will be easier, I hope.”
“A political decision about a social notary can take years.”
Vleeshouwers hopes that such a point will eventually be established in all major cities in Brabant and the rest of the Netherlands. A first step has already been taken, because the plan to appoint a social notary was discussed in the House of Representatives on Thursday. “Obviously I was very happy when I heard that news. But a political decision about appointing a social notary can take years. By that time I will be almost retired.”
That is why the Rosmalense will start providing free information in the coming months at the expense of her notary office Hoffspoor Notarissen and will offer her services for a small personal contribution.