FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost?
There are many different types of document and so many countries with different requirements that it would be impossible to give a general list. If you explain what you require or what you have been asked to do, I will give you an estimate in advance. It is also helpful to see the document as soon as possible. Some countries require more than one original of the same document. Please bring with you any letter from your lawyer or email this to me in advance.
My minimum fee is £80 and my hourly rate is £200. I am not VAT registered.
I work on an hourly rate and upon sight of the documents, I will be able to provide a fixed fee.
What do I need to bring?
When attending your appointment, please arrange to bring in proof of identity, such as a current passport or photo driving licence and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing your home address. Two forms of identification documents will be required.
Documents entered into by or on behalf of companies will need evidence that the signatories have the authority to sign them. Additionally I will need to undertake Companies House checks on the Company and its Directors. I will require you to provide me with the Company Number so I may undertake the search.
How long will it take?
Usually appointments can be arranged at fairly short notice. You should allow at least half an hour for the appointment (longer if there are a number of documents or it is a particularly complex matter). If the notarised documents do not need an Apostille or legalising by a consulate you will be able to take them away with you at the end of our appointment.
Arranging for the Apostille and legalisation can take a few days and I may also need to carry out some independent verification of documents that require certification – such as qualifications – so it is important to make an appointment as early as possible, particularly if there are deadlines in the transaction, and if possible provide the documents beforehand so I can let you know if there are any queries.
How soon can I get an appointment?
I will endeavour to see you at the earliest opportunity. I understand that documents are urgent, and need to be in the relevant jurisdiction at the earliest possibility.
Appointments can be arranged at my office, your home or a location suitable to you.
Evening and weekend appointments are also available on request.
Please always contact me prior to stopping in to one of the offices, as I may be at a different location.
But all I need is a signature?
It is not just any signature that you are after, it is the signature and seal of a Notary Public that you require. A Notary Public is a specialist that deals with international legal matters, and so charges in accordance with the expertise they offer.
There are a number of professional obligations which are constitutional in the process of notarising documents that the Notary must comply with, which include: identifying the person appearing before them; keeping copies of the Appearer's identification documents; ensuring that the Appearer has the necessary capacity to sign the document; ensuring that the Appearer has the necessary authority to sign the document; ensuring that the Appearer has read and understood the document and that they understand that they will be bound by the document; maintaining a protocol register of details of the Appearer and details of the work performed; keeping and storing copies of the relevant documents (for the rest of the life of the Notary, including making arrangements for the storage of your documents after death). A Notary Public is usually a member of the Notaries Society, and is answerable to the Faculties Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
My document isn't in English
If a document requiring notarisation is in a foreign language it is usually necessary for the document to be translated by an official legal translator who will then have to sign a statutory declaration certifying that it is a true translation.
In exceptional cases the Notary may be satisfied to fix their seal of office and signature on documents in a foreign language if they are fully satisfied that the person signing is conversant with the language of the document.