FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a notary?
The execution of a document before a Notary Public gives it a legal status in the foreign country where the documents are required.
Is a notary the same as a solicitor?
No, a Notary Public is an independent public official and has had to carry out additional accredited training beyond that of a Solicitor.
What is an Apostille/Legalisation?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Apostille confirms that the notary is genuine and authenticates his official signature and seal. The process is often referred to as ‘legalising’ the notarised document.
For countries which are parties to the Hague Convention, an Apostille issued by another member country will be accepted as sufficient to establish that the notarisation is genuine.
However, for countries which are not parties to the Hague Convention the Apostille must then be authenticated by the Embassy or Consulate of the destination country before it will be accepted.
We can arrange for legalisation of your documents through consular agents and can provide a quote for this service on request.
What do I have to bring with me?
You have to bring your passport. If you do not have a current passport, then a driving licence may be acceptable. Additionally, you will need to produce two recent and separate pieces of evidence confirming your address e.g., utility bill, mortgage statement, Council tax bill.
How much will notarisation cost?
Please see Fees page.
Are notaries covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Yes, I am covered by insurance as required by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, details can be provided on request.
Can the notary come to me?
Yes, I can usually attend at your home or company if that’s more convenient for you. However, I shall have to include an element for travel time in the cost.
Do I have to pay VAT?
No, I do not charge VAT.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, always.
Are Business transactions different?
Yes, when acting for a business client, evidence of the business and status and authority of the person executing the document on behalf of the business must be established. This may require company searches, review of memorandum and articles of the company, accounts and board meeting minutes. Other corporate entities may require more detailed examination.
Can I pay by bank card?
No, we do not have facilities to take payment by bank card. Payment can be made in cash, personal cheque or bank transfer.
Can I be seen in the evening or at the weekend?
This may be possible, but will incur an additional charge.
Conplaints
Complaints Procedure
My notarial practice is regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury:
The Faculty Office
1, The Sanctuary
Westminster
London
SW1P 3JT
Telephone 020 7222 5381
Email Faculty.office@1thesanctuary.com
Website www.facultyoffice.org.uk
If you are dissatisfied about the service you have received please do not hesitate to contact me.
If we are unable to resolve the matter you may then complain to the Notaries Society of which I am a member, who have a Complaints Procedure which is approved by the Faculty Office. This procedure is free to use and is designed to provide a quick resolution to any dispute.
In that case please write (but do not enclose any original documents) with full details of your complaint to :-
The Secretary of The Notaries Society
Old Church Chambers
23 Sandhill Road
St James
Northampton. NN5 5LH
Email secretary@thenotariessociety.org.uk
Tel : 01604 758908
If you have any difficulty in making a complaint in writing please do not hesitate to call the Notaries Society/the Faculty Office for assistance.
Finally, even if you have your complaint considered under the Notaries Society Approved Complaints Procedure, you may at the end of that procedure, or after a period of eight weeks from the date you first notified me that you were dissatisfied, make your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman, if you are not happy with the result :
Legal Ombudsman
Baskerville House, Centenary Square,
Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2ND
Tel : 0300 555 0333
Email : enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk
Website : www.legalombudsman.org.uk
If you decide to make a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman you must refer your matter to the Legal Ombudsman within six months from the conclusion of the complaint process.