The family home will often be the most important matrimonial asset during any divorce case, and a...
At CWJ we are in the fortunate position of having 3 Notary Publics available to help you. Most people have never heard of a notary until they are told that they need to get a document notarised. For this reason I thought it would be useful for you to know what notaries do so that you know when you get asked.
What does a notary do?
Notaries are primarily concerned with the authentication and certification of signatures and documents for use abroad. Our role includes the drafting, reviewing and explaining of legal documents for use outside the UK. Notarisation means the act by a notary of certifying a signature or issuing a certificate. When a notary signs and seals a document they are verifying the authenticity of the facts set out in the document.
A notary has a duty to everyone who may rely on the document in question and they have to satisfy themselves that they have verified all necessary facts or information before dealing with it. It is not sufficient for them simply to witness your signature. For this reason we ask you to provide us with instructions and guidance from the lawyer or authorities who require the document and if possible to let us see a copy of the document to be notarised before the visit. We also need you to prove your identity to us beforehand.
How are you protected?
A notary is a qualified lawyer and a member of the oldest branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom. The rules which affect notaries are very similar to the rules which affect solicitors. For example we must be fully insured and maintain cover for the protection of our clients and the public. We must keep clients' money separately from our own and have to comply with stringent rules relating to conduct and discipline.
Who uses a notary?
Quite simply, anyone! Individuals may need documents authenticated so that can travel abroad or perhaps to buy or sell property overseas, whilst businesses might require company documents and transactions notarising. All of this allows individuals and business owners to go about their daily lives and business freely at reasonable cost and without undue delay.