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Notarial Services

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary is an officer of the law who holds an internationally recognised public office. The duty and function of a Notary is to prepare, attest, authenticate and certify deeds and other documents, for use anywhere in the world. His signature and official seal renders them acceptable, as proof of the matter attested by him, to the judicial or other public authorities in the country where they are to be used.

Clients often require notarial services when dealing with overseas matters. A Notary mainly acts as an impartial and legally trained witness to authenticate and certify the execution of documents required or intended for use outside the UK.

It is important that a Notary is contacted as early on as possible as requirements vary from country to country and further authentication from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or applicable Consulate may be necessary.

By virtue of the international status of his office, the signature and seal of a Notary is recognised as evidence of a responsible legal officer in most countries of the world.

Notarial Services at Norton Peskett

Ring us to discuss what it is you want. Book an appointment as soon as possible. Send us in advance a copy of the document to be notarised by fax, email or hand delivery. We can then advise you as to how long it will take and the likely cost.

At the appointment we have to have the following:

Proof of your identity by photo ID and a recent utility bill
If you are acting on behalf of a company we will need to be satisfied that you have authority to act for the company and that the company authorises the transaction
Unless otherwise agreed fees must be settled in full before documents are released. Disbursements must be paid in advance.

Usually we will deal with any legalisation requirements before returning the document to you. You can attend to this yourself but note that you can no longer attend the legislation office: all legislation must be paid for on-line and then sent by post to the legislation office. Note that some countries like the notarised and legalised documents to be sent to them directly by the notary.