Notary Public services for international business

What is a Notary?

A Notary is a qualified member of the third and oldest branch of the UK’s legal profession, who has been appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Although Notaries are regulated by the Court of Faculties, their rules are very similar to those of Solicitors.

As the qualification is internationally recognised, Notaries can bridge any differences between the legal systems of various countries to ensure international transactions are completed lawfully.

Common Notarial tasks

Many Notaries carry out work for commercial firms who trade internationally and private individuals. The most common tasks are:

• Preparing and witnessing powers of attorney for use overseas
• Dealing with the purchase or sale of land and property abroad
• Providing documents to deal with estate administration for people who are abroad, or own property abroad
• Authenticating personal documents and information for immigration or emigration purposes, or to apply to marry or work abroad
• Authenticating company and business documents and transactions

What else can Notaries do?

Most often Notaries provide the services described above, but they can offer authentication and a secure record for almost any transaction, document or event.

Notaries can also carry out any form of legal work, except for taking cases to court.

Notarial Responsibilities

Notarial acts require a high standard of care, to ensure errors, omissions, alterations, fraud and forgery do not occur. This is especially important as their work is relied upon by clients and third parties, as well as foreign governments and officials.

The Notary role does not generally extend to giving advice or the drafting of documentation, unless this has previously been agreed in writing.

Philip Westcott – Burton & Dyson

Philip Westcott, senior partner at Burton & Dyson, has many years’ experience acting as a Notary. He is always prepared to give an initial opinion on any Notarial matter, along with an estimate of the likely cost of his services. 

If you need help with any prospective Notarial act, please email Philip Westcott.

Fees

Please enquire for full details of our charges, which may be subject to variation.