A professional code of ethics can be defined as the set of rules and duties that govern a profession, the conduct of those exercising the profession, and the relationships between them and their clients.
The primary function of these rules is to ensure the defence of the profession, the independence of its members and the quality of the services.
The rules are inspired by loyalty, probity, honour, in short notions of a moral rather than legal nature. Even if these professional ethics are not always easy to apply in everyday life, we must never forget that these rules of notarial discipline are there to protect the moral unity of our profession.
The European Code of the Notarial Professional Ethics was adopted on 3 and 4 February 1995 by the Conference of the Notarial Associations of the European Union, which belongs to the International Union of Latin Notaries. The code reflects the desire of the profession to guarantee the client the same level of protection in both national and cross-border transactions. The principles adopted in the code can be summarised as follows:
- Loyalty and moralty in the exercise of the profession
- Impartiality and independence of the notary
- Confidentiality and professional secrecy
- Legal and technical competence
- Prohibition of any form of individual publicity.
We, Notaires Associés, undertake to strictly adhere to this professional code of ethics.
