CLICK OR CALL 01443 423797Common Questions
What is
a Notary?
Common Questions
- What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public can authenticate and legalise documents. This is usually required when that document is needed for use in other countries or jurisdictions.
The Notary Public has exclusive use of a Seal and has been granted a Faculty to act as a Public Officer.The signature and Seal of the Notary Public is sufficient to verify to the authorities in the receiving jurisdiction that the proper and relevant checks have been undertaken in relation to the document itself and to the Individual or Business involved in the matter.
- Can a Solicitor provide Notarial services?
Although some Solicitors are qualified as Notaries, there are certain transactions which specifically require execution of a document by a Notary Public. Similar rules however apply to both roles in that both Solicitors and Notaries must be fully insured and must continue to maintain high standards of service and compliance, renewing their Practising Certificate yearly.Whilst a Solicitor has a primary duty to his client, the main obligation as far as the Notary is concerned is to the transaction itself.
- Are the details of our meeting confidential?
Although I am both a Solicitor and a Notary, it should be noted that these constitute separate roles and have to be performed independently of one another. As such, all matters discussed and all records kept in a Notarial capacity remain strictly confidential. It should, however, be pointed out that a notarised document is a public document and is not in itself privileged
or confidential.
I am also a practising Solicitor at Graeme John Limited
dealing with Conveyancing, Probate, Wills, Court of Protection
and Power of Attorney related matters.
What should
I bring?
Prior to your appointment
- Transaction Overview
Before booking an appointment, please get in touch to give a brief description of the transaction you wish to be performed. This will allow me opportunity to make the necessary enquiries with the receiving jurisdiction and to obtain any specific documentation required. - Advance Paperwork
It may be useful to view email copies of certain documents in advance which may help to identify any potential problems early on. (Please contact me accordingly and I will supply you with an email address).
At the Meeting
- Identification
In order to verify your identity and current address, please bring with you at least two forms of proof such as a passport/driving licence and recent utility bill. - Other paperwork
Where at all possible I will need to see original copies of all documents supplied including any which have been emailed in advance, so please also bring these with you to your appointment. - Anything else
If you have any other documentation which you think may be of relevance, please let me have sight of this at the earliest available opportunity.
Other
Queries
- Can you visit me?
Certain circumstances may mean that it is necessary to make home or other visits. Please contact me if this is required, however, where possible clients are encouraged to visit my office so that costs are kept to a minimum. - What area do you cover?
My Notarial Practice serves the South Wales valleys and my office is situated in Tonypandy town centre although clients may instruct me from any area within a reasonable distance. - What payment methods do you accept?
Payments may be made by cash (to a maximum of £500), or cheque made payable to Pearce Notarial. - How much does it cost?
Due to the varying nature of the work, it is not always possible to give an exact figure at the outset and this may depend on the number of documents required or the Country for which
the document is to be prepared. Clients can however be assured that I will always endeavour to keep costs to a minimum. Fixed fees are provided whenever possible, but in other cases an hourly rate of £100 applies. Some examples are given below:- Matters including notarisation and legalisation such as Power of Attorney/Affidavit – Starting at £130 plus disbursements
- Notarisation of certificates excluding legalisation and verification (eg. educational certificates) – Starting at £130
- Witnessing a signature (not including added work such as legalisation) – £50 per person