Key Stages

Although every notarial matter will be different, these are the typical key stages:

1. Once I have received the document(s) to be notarised from you, along with any instructions or advice from a lawyer or agent advising you, I will review the document(s).

2. It is always sensible for me to liaise with any legal adviser or agent who has advised you on the document to make sure that the necessary requirements are met and the document is correctly executed.

3. I will need to be satisfied as to the identity, authority, capacity and understanding of any person who is to sign the document(s) and to be certain that the person signing a document is doing so freely and willingly. This means that I need to meet with the signatory.  I may need to obtain further documents, for example: for companies, documentation from Companies House or registries of companies abroad. For individuals, examples might be official copies of certificates of birth or death. Where for example I am asked to certify an academic award, I would need to check with the academic  institution awarding a degree certificate or apply to  HEDD (the Higher Education Degree Datacheck). 

4. I will need to prepare and affix or endorse a notarial certificate to the document.

5. Where required, I can arrange for the legalisation of the document (please see further information on the  “Legalisation” tab).

6. I will store copies of the document(s) I have notarised in accordance with the requirements of the Notarial Practice Rules 2019. See the tab “Useful Websites” and information there on the Faculty Office.

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