Notarial
Our experienced Notary is available to assist businesses and individuals with the authentication of all documents required in foreign jurisdictions.
Overview
A Notary is a qualified lawyer – a member of the third and oldest branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom. Notaries are appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and are subject to regulation by the Court of Faculties.
There are approximately 900 notaries in England and Wales, all, save about 150 notaries, are also qualified as solicitors.
What does a Notary do?
A Notary is primarily concerned with the preparation and authentication of documents for use in foreign countries.
A Notary has two significant differences from a solicitor:
- Their duty is to the transaction as a whole and not just to one of the parties. A Notary may act for both parties to a transaction as long as there is no conflict between them and their duty is to ensure that the transaction they conclude is fair to both sides.
- A Notary identifies themselves on documents by the use of their individual seal. This seal will be registered with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and with many foreign embassies and consulates.
Some notaries speak foreign languages and know about foreign laws, but not all of them do. Your document may be in a language you do not understand or have to do with a legal system you do not know about.
A Notary must be sure that both you and they understand the document and each other, and know what effect the document will have when it goes overseas as a result the notary may have to insist that it is properly translated into English, or that a qualified interpreter is present at your interview. You will have to pay for these extra services. The cost varies according to the length and complexity of the document and the language involved.
Michelle assists private individuals, a wide range of commercial clients, including public and private companies, global organisations, UK subsidiaries and also other professionals (accountants , solicitors and tax advisors ) seeking assistance on behalf of their clients, in authenticating documents for use overseas.
Notarial services
- Certifying personal identification documents – passports etc, specimen signatures, photographs.
- Authenticating signatures of company directors examples of which includes powers of attorneys, board resolutions, data cards , letters to financial institutions, trademark and patent applications.
- Certifying facts about companies, including date of incorporation; change of name; directors and shareholders.
- Certifying documents produced on behalf of companies such as VAT registration certificates by HMRC; criminal record checks; company accounts and invoices.
- Taking witness statements, affidavits, declarations and depositions for use overseas.
- Verifying educational qualifications from UK institutions.
- Witnessing signatures on documents for the sale and purchase of foreign land
- Witnessing the consent by parents/ guardians of a child to travel abroad
- Foreign adoptions
Legalisation
Michelle can also assist in legalisation requirements whether at the Foreign & Commonwealth office or any other relevant embassy/consulate. As well as shipping completed documents to their final destination. This can be arranged urgent basis , if required.
Terms of Business (pricing information)
