NOTARIAL SERVICES ACROSS LONDON AND HAMPSHIRE
What is a notary public?
A notary public is usually a qualified lawyer whose task is to certify documents and transactions, such as deeds, contracts and passports, as a true copy of the original so that they can be effective in countries outside the UK. The signature and seal of a notary is recognised as evidence of a responsible legal office in most countries of the world.
The majority of notarial acts are sent abroad to various jurisdictions, and the signing and sealing of a document by a notary public is usually sufficient for most receiving jurisdictions. However, some foreign jurisdictions will require a document to be presented to a consular or apostilled by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office located in Milton Keynes.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a sticker attached by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which confirms that a document, such as a birth or marriage certificate, is a true copy of the original and has been signed by a notary. It is used to legalise a document for use in another country.
The notary verifies that the person or people signing the document understands it and confirms their identity by seeing passports or other acceptable proofs of identity. Then, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirms the document has been signed by a notary, and puts on the apostille as proof of that fact.
WHY DO YOU NEED A NOTARY PUBLIC?
Here are some examples of the reasons why you need a notary public:
- To obtain a Power of Attorney to sell, purchase, mortgage or inherit property abroad
- To obtain an apostille from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- To certify letters of consent for children to travel abroad with a relative
- To certify a copy of a passport
- To open up a bank account overseas
- To make a statutory declaration
- To sign a deed for use overseas
- To have a translation certified
OUR NOTARIAL SERVICES
Here at Mark Legister, we provide notarial services to both private individuals and businesses across London and Hampshire.
Our notarial services for individuals:
- Witnessing the signature of deeds and documents for the sale and purchase of land / property abroad
- Preparing and witnessing consent forms for children to travel abroad with one parent
- Witnessing the execution of Powers of Attorneys
- Verifying translations (via a translator) of documents into English and from English
- Taking affidavits, declarations and depositions for use outside the UK
- Authenticating the contents of documents
- Notice of marriage / Certificate of Freedom to Marry
- Sponsorship visits or settlements documentation
- Documents regarding overseas adoption
- Certifying documents regarding evidence of name / identity
- Legalisation at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or any other relevant embassy / consulate
- Presenting bills of exchange for acceptance and payments
Our notarial services for businesses:
- Witnessing signature of deeds and documents for use outside the UK
- Authenticating business documents and transactions
- Taking affidavits, declarations and depositions for use outside the UK
- Certifying commercial documents for use abroad
- Certifying copyright documentation for worldwide use
- Documents relating to sale and purchase of foreign property
- Witnessing the execution of Powers of Attorneys
- Verifying translations (via a translator) of documents into English and from English
- Certifying documents regarding evidence of name or corporate status
- Presenting bills of exchange for acceptance and payments
- Shipping protests - drawing up or noting protests of happenings to ships, crews and cargoes
- Legalisation at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or any other relevant embassy / consulate
If you require notarial services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to arrange an appointment at our office. Our notaries are also able to travel to you upon request. Simply give us a ring to discuss the requirements.
Fees
A notarial act will cost from £60 subject to the urgency, complexity and length of time spent on the matter.
To arrange an appointment with a notary public, please call us on
020 8875 9862
or
07940 524 047