Notary Services in Plymouth

A Notary Public is a qualified lawyer who mainly deals with preparing and authenticating documents for use overseas. Many documents which are sent to or used in foreign jurisdictions are often required to be notarised with the Notary’s signature and seal which gives authenticity to a document.

Most Notaries will provide services for both private individuals and commercial firms with interests overseas.

Notaries are the oldest branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom. They are appointed by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury and are regulated by the Master of Faculties.

A solicitor’s main concern is to act in the best interest of their client. In their role they can advise and represent their client to assist them in achieving their aims. In contrast a Notary’s main concern is to ensure that the documents that they notarise are legally authentic. A Notary does not provide legal advice or representation and must remain completely impartial.

A solicitor is not automatically entitled to provide Notary Services. A Notary is a separate qualification which requires additional training. All Notaries must complete a two year training course and a practical tuition course. They must undergo background checks and obtain a certificate of good character. New Notaries are subject to a period of supervision.

If you are dealing with a matter that has a foreign element you would usually be told that a document is required to be notarised by the person acting for you in the matter or you may be sent a document which states that it is required to be notarised.

An Apostille is a certificate which is internationally recognised and is used to authenticate public documents. In England the Apostille is issued by the FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office). It acts as an extra layer of protection confirming the signature, seal or stamp on the document to be genuine. The Apostille is accepted by countries who are members of the Hague Apostille Convention who, generally, don’t then require any further form of certification.

Consular Legalisation in when a document is authenticated at the Embassy or High Commission of the country where the document is to be used. It is generally required for countries who are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Charges for Notary service will depend on the type of document and how much work is required to authenticate it or amend it so that it can be signed. Please contact Claire directly so that she can review your document and provide you with a quote.

Generally the notary will ask you to forward the document that is required to be notarised along with any supporting correspondence from an overseas lawyer. Once the notary receives this information you will be provided with an estimate of costs. Once the document is ready to be notarised the notary will arrange an appointment with you.

This will depend on whether or not the document requires any amendments or any supporting evidence is required before it can be notarised. The notarisation itself can usually be completed in one appointment once the document or documents are ready to be notarised.

Yes, a notary can refuse to notarise a document for a number of reasons such as:

• Inability to authenticate the document, the information contained within it or the person presenting the document

• The person who is signing the document lacks the capacity to do so or there is a concern about fraud, coercion or duress

• The document is incomplete

• There is a conflict of interest