One of our key functions is the recording of legal transactions. Many particularly important matters are assigned to the notary by law as recording responsibilities. This applies, for instance, to the purchase of real estate, the establishment and restructuring of business undertakings (corporations), formation of marriage contracts and many inheritance transactions. In these areas of work declarations of the parties concerned are only valid if they are recorded by a notary. By this the legislator wishes to protect those concerned from rash and possibly detrimental decisions. However, our recording activity is not limited to these transactions. The notarial instrument has many practical advantages in other areas as well. This is because of the notaries' great experience in drafting contracts and other declarations. We create tailor-made and clear-cut arrangements with a well-balanced content to prevent disputes between the parties. If a legal dispute should arise later nevertheless, the notarial instrument has by law a special evidential value with regard to the content of the agreement made and the identity of the parties involved. Page 2