What is notarial work?
Notarial work deals with the preparation and verification of legal documents for use abroad. Notaries are recognised internationally as being independent and trained to verify documents and matters, and so a notaries’ verification is normally an important step. Most notaries in England and Wales are also solicitors, but the functions are quite separate.
Most foreign countries require that there is a further verification of the notary by the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office. This is known as an “apostile”. Many countries then require a further endorsement from their own Embassy or Consulate. This process of verification by state authorities is known as “legalisation”.
Business work
For regular clients, we can normally deal with documents without personal attendance, subject to verification of identity and setting up appropriate security procedures. We deal with all kinds of documents for use abroad, including Powers of Attorney, contracts, verification of corporate documents and transactions, declarations as to the origin of goods, certificates of good standing, etc.
Please note: Unless we have been specifically asked to advise on or to prepare the text of any relevant documents, we do not advise on the suitability of documents presented to us for notarisation, nor do we advise on the merits or suitability of the transaction involved. In every case it is necessary for clients to satisfy themselves by taking appropriate professional advice that documents they are signing and transactions into which they are entering are understood and in their best interests. In the absence of a specific request and agreement to advise, the notary is only acting as a witness or certifying matters as detailed in his certificate.
