What does a Notary Public do?
A notary's function is to act as a bridge between the English legal system and other foreign systems of law so that your documents can be used in a foreign country through a mechanism called legalisation. A Notary's role is to verify (or authenticate) legal documents for use abroad. He has to check the identity, capacity and authority of the person signing documents as well. The notary's primary duty is to the transaction. So notarialmobile notary london acts require a high standard of care, as reliance on such acts is made by clients, third parties and foreign governments and officials. All notarial work is regulated by the Faculty Office. The best standards of confidentiality and presentation are offered. The notarial practice is covered by professional indemnity insurance and a Compensation Fund.
Notary Services offered
You may need to see a Notary to:
Legalisation and Apostille
A notarised document may often need to be further authenticated by having the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirm the validity of the Notary's signature and seal. The requirement for this will depend on the foreign country involved. This is done by legalisation by the use of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's official certificate, known as an Apostille, which is attached by the FCO to the document. These are internationally recognised under the terms of the Hague Convention.
We provide normal service and premium service with regard to FCO legalisation.
Identification requirements for Notarisation
Following the implementation of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, Notaries are now obliged to keep evidence on their files of the identity and the address of all their clients before they undertake any work.
Each person whose signature they are to certify must provide one of the following original identification documents at the time of the appointment.
Passport
Driving licence (with photo card)
National identity card (EEA state members)
An armed forces pass (with photo and signature)
Firearms licence (with photo and signature)
Other government issue ID (with photo and signature)
Residence permit
Benefit book or original notification letter from Benefits Agency
In addition, they require proof of residence, which can be one of the following original documents:
Bank statement or letter from bank
Utility bill or council tax bill (not mobile phone bill)
Tenancy agreement or Housing Association rent card
Inland revenue tax demand or self assessment statement
When a Notary Public is acting for a corporate client, evidence of the due incorporation of the company or entity is required. This can be one of the following documents:
- Extract from the company register
- Certificate of incorporation
- Latest report and audited accounts
- Up to date certified copy of partnership agreement
- Evidence of being regulated by a regulatory body such as the Law Society or FSA.
What does it cost?
Fees are assessed mainly by reference to the time spent on the matter, on the basis of an hourly charging rate. However, fixed fees are applicable to certain notary low fee notaryservices.
I charge fees at a fixed fee at the standard rate of £55.00 for the first document and extra charge applies for each of the addtional document to be notarised.
A notarial certificate can be issued at an extra fee upon the client's request.
There is no VAT charged on the fees mentioned above.
Please visit the contact me page to obtain a quotation for more complex cases.
International Adoption
Foreign adoption in England is governed by the Adoption Act 1977. There are also international conventions, such as Hague Convention, dealing with these matters. A notary can be involved in the foreign adoption process by offering notary services, such as authenticating certain adoption documents and notarising translated texts for use in foreign jurisdictions such as China. Clients can contact me for further advice.
Application for entry visa
As immigration lawyer, we can also help adopting parents to apply for entry visa for the adopted child.
Translation of adoption documents
Adoption documents to be used in foreign jurisdictions are required to be translated to official languages of the countries of adoption. Our translators, being members of Institute of Translation and Interpreting, can give assistance to clients to meet the above requirements.
Notary public can also issue notarial certificate authenticating certain adoption documents such as Certificate of eligibility to adopt and other official documents related to foreign adoption procedures. Free consultation can be provided via email. Please send your questions or documentation over and a prompt reply will be given.