There may be some time in the future when you require the services of a notary. Here we will look at when that may be and what the role of the notary is.
When might I need a notary?
You need a notary to confirm or “attest to” the authenticity of a legal document or a deed. This is particularly important if you are relying on the document overseas.
The notary will have to provide certified copies of documents so that they can be trusted by authorities or lawyers in other countries. Certified copies may be required if individuals are purchasing property abroad, for example, or are involved in matrimonial proceedings, or require the certification of UK-based companies and their directors.
This means that you will not have to be present overseas when documents are signed, nor will you have to appear in person before the relevant authorities or send your original documentation to be inspected. The notary is a trusted party who can authenticate documentation and your identity for those bodies. In effect, they are trusted as a third party to carry out this requirement, meaning that submitted documents have been verified.
Who appoints and regulates notaries in England and Wales?
Notaries, of whom there are approximately 720 in England and Wales, are appointed and their activities regulated by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Faculty Office whose role dates back many centuries.
Some notaries are solicitors, but that is not a requirement. They are members of a separate profession who must pass separate exams.
How do I find a notary?
If you feel you are in need of a notary or have been told that their services are necessary to carry out a transaction or process overseas, you can search for one local to you by searching online. For example, if you are seeking notary services London you will find them at sites such as bridgelawsolicitors.co.uk/notary-services-for-individuals/london.
It is always worth asking about the fees associated with these services as, in line with other legal professionals, their charges may vary for providing the same service.