What is a notary? Your essential guide to legal authentication.

This process involves verifying the authenticity of your academic credentials through notarisation and legalisation with either an Apostille or an Apostille plus Embassy Stamp.

Notary Case Studies

The high flyer with a new job in the UAE

Take the case of Sarah, a recent UCL graduate offered a coveted position with a leading tech firm in Dubai. 

Ecstatic, yet faced with the reality of international legal requirements, she discovered her degree certificate held little weight in the UAE without proper authentication. 

This wasn’t merely a matter of a signature; it was a complex process involving notarial certification, an Apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and ultimately, a vital consular stamp from the UAE Embassy. 

Without each of these steps, meticulously executed by a knowledgeable notary, Sarah’s dream job would have remained tantalisingly out of reach, highlighting the indispensable role of a notary in facilitating international career aspirations.We know that this is an alien process to many British students.

Anya the Ukrainian nurse whose father needs a power of attorney so he can manage her property in Kyiv

Anya came to London after the war broke out and got a job in a new front line. Our front line. She works as a staff nurse in the NHS. 

Her apartment in Kyiv got damaged in a Russian missile strike but because she wasn’t there, she had to give her Dad a power of attorney, so that he could deal with repairing the damage. 

The power of attorney document had to be signed in a specified way and have an Apostille. The notary guided Anya through the process and obtained the Apostille for her inside 2 working days. 

Notarisation, Apostille and Legalisation are unfamiliar terms to most Brits.

The Tuscan vineyard acquisition

Imagine a successful entrepreneur in London. Ready to finalise the purchase of a vineyard in Tuscany. The deal is done and all the paperwork almost tidied up.

But here’s the thing, all those contracts and title exploration are perfectly legal under British law but mean nothing in Italy without proper authentication.

This is where the notary steps in. Notaries don’t just witness a signature, they ensure the essence of the agreement and the land title deeds are signed in such a way as to be accepted in Italy.

What are notaries?

Notaries are qualified lawyers in England and Wales. Notaries were the first branch of the legal profession with the origins of Notaries dating back to Roman times.

Notaries are appointed and regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and are subject to regulatory rules similar to solicitors.

Practising Certificates are issued to notaries on an individual basis each year and are only issued where the notary has complied with the legal requirements set out.

What do notaries do?

Notaries help with legal documents like powers of attorney and other document relating to personal, commercial and real estate law.

English notaries are mostly concerned with the certification of signatures and specific legal advice with regards to documents that are being sent abroad, outside the United Kingdom.

Some examples of Notary Services

Prepare notarial certificates so that documents are accepted overseasdone right. First time. So that you can take up your new role or academic placing in good time without any hiccups.

Witness signatures on power of attorney

Confirm the status of a company

Attest business documents such as loan agreements or banking documents

Certify documents for emigration purposes

Administer oaths and affidavits either as a public notary for foreign legal work or as a commissioner for oaths for domestic documents

How does a notary differ from a solicitor?

Notaries:

• Specialist lawyers providing notarial services when there is an international element to a transaction
• Duty is to provide impartiality to notarial acts this means the notary’s duty is to the transaction at hand.
• Have studied the Notarial Practice Course and follow stringent practice rules as set out by the Master of the faculties
• Are more concerned with overseas legal systems and can advise on overseas requirements
• Regulated by the Court of Faculties
• Representative body is the Notaries Society

Solicitors

• Are qualified legal professionals who have rights of audience in courts that qualified notaries do not have

• Provide general legal advice and help with domestic matters

• Duty is to act for their client, not necessarily the transaction

• Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

• Representative body is the Law Society

How are notaries and solicitors similar?

Both

• Qualified lawyers
• Give legal advice to third parties
• Authorised to hold clients’ money
• Focused on the protection of their clients interests
• Must be of good character and take an oath of office

Need expert guidance on a notary matter? 

Don’t leave it to chance. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and ensure your documents are handled with the utmost care and precision.

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Notarisation, Apostilles and Legalisation – what exactly are the differences?

Notarisation – can be thought of as an important first step in the layers of verification necessary in international legal transactions.

Here, the notary verifies the authenticity of the document, the identity of the company, the person signing it, or its contents.

Or it could be the notary witnessing a signature, administering an Oath or Statutory Declaration.

All of this confirms the document is genuine.

Apostille – streamlines international recognition for States that are members of the Hague Convention.

An Apostille is a certificate from the UK Government that confirms that the notary is a duly qualified and registered notary in the UK.

Visit our Apostille page for further information on this or visit the GOV.UK website for detailed information.

You can also obtain e-Notarisation and e-Apostille, visit our E-Apostille page for more information.

When there is an Apostille on the document it should be accepted in Hague Convention Member States without any further legalisation.

Consulate Legalisation. For those countries that are still not part of the Hague Convention (UAE being the most notable). It involves getting a consulate stamp on the document.

This consulate stamp usually certifies the authenticity of the Apostille itself.

Why are notaries important?

The services of a notary help clients bridge the gap between differing legal jurisdictions.

When you are dealing with an International matter you will often be called upon to use a notary.

Notaries are internationally recognised lawyers who have additional training on what is required when dealing with international matters.

They can advise you on what is needed and whether there are any additional requirements such as Apostille or Consular legalisation.

If you need a notary or have been told you need an Apostille. Get in touch today for a free telephone consultation.

FAQS

What documents to I need to bring to my notary appointment?

You will need to identify yourself with government issued photographic ID such as a passport or drivers licence and proof of address. Visit our Proof of Address Guide to see what constitutes a proof of address now.

Can a notary give legal advice?

An experienced notary can give legal advice like a solicitor except where it comes to representing clients in court.

What are notary public UK fees like?

Notaries usually charge a fixed fee based on a quarter or third of an hour. These are usually similar to fees that affect solicitors. Check here to find information on notary public UK fees.

Are there different types of Notaries?

Yes, there are general notaries and Scrivener Notaries who have undergone additional training on overseas laws and foreign languages.

Are notarised documents legally binding?

Yes, notarised documents are usually accepted as proof that a document or matter has been authenticated.

Can notarisation be done online?

Yes, visit our online notary service page for more information

What is Notary and Apostille?

A notary is a qualified legal advisor but an Apostille is as certificate from the UK Government which confirms that the notary is a qualified lawyer in the UK. Visit our Apostille Guide for more information on Apostilles

Need notary help?

Give us a call now on +442074992605 for your free telephone consultation or complete the contact form below.