Notarial Services

Where you have a document which needs to be used abroad, it is almost always likely that you will need to see a notary. The notary may need to:

* witness a signature on such a document 

* be involved in the preparation of the document 

and will be able to advise you on whether there are any additional legalisation requirements (see the “How I can help you” tab) needed before the document can be used in the foreign country.

Typical examples of matters which need the services of a notary include:-

*Powers of attorney for use abroad
*Documents relating to foreign estates
*Certification of copy documents
*Certification of points of law
*Shipping protests
*Witnessing declarations and affidavits for use abroad

Notaries must comply with professional rules and regulations and have to act independently and impartially at all times. Seeing a notary is never a mere rubber-stamping or signature witnessing exercise.

A notary must check the identity of the person signing a document, his or her legal capacity, authority and understanding of the document. 

For a company, the notary must carry out identification checks on those signing and their authority to do so, as well as obtaining information on the Company from Companies House, inspecting the company’s constitutional documents and where required the Company’s register of officers and members and record of minutes of meetings. The notary has a duty to the transaction rather than to the individuals.

In all cases, the notary must ensure that anyone signing a document is doing so willingly and is not acting under duress (see further the “Terms of Business” tab for more information on this.