A Notary Public (often referred to as a ‘Notary’) is a legal official who holds public office. The duty of the Notary is to authenticate and legalise documents and facts for use anywhere in the world. You will normally require the services of a Notary when you have documents which need to be used abroad. The Notary’s signature and seal will verify to the authorities in any country that the relevant checks have been carried out and that the documents are authentic.
When would I need a Notary Public?
If you need documents or facts to be officially authenticated and verified, the signature and seal of a Notary are recognised around the world. The need for a Notary is dictated by the requirements of the country where the document is to be used. For example, if you wish to buy a property abroad, it is often necessary to give your overseas lawyer power to deal with the purchase. This can be done by means of a power of attorney, which is signed by you in front of a Notary. The Notary will confirm your name and identity, sign the document and seal it with an official seal.
Kevin Neary can help clients with a variety of matters:
What is Legalisation and what is an Apostille?
Legalisation is a way by which foreign authorities check that the Notary’s signature and seal are those of a proper and qualified Notary using the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the appropriate embassy or, for example, the Arab Chamber of Commerce.
An Apostille is a shortcut to this process if the country receiving the document is a signatory to the Hague Convention; in this case, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office can certify the Notary’s signature and seal (an Apostille) and so no further steps are required.
Seeing a Notary
You will need to make an appointment to see David Taylor, our Notary. When you come to the office, please bring good evidence of your identity – ideally a valid passport together with a council tax or utility bill to confirm your address. Please also bring all relevant papers or documents which relate to the matter. If possible, please send a fax or an electronic copy of your document to us before your appointment.
What does it cost?
There is no set charge; we charge an hourly rate and will give you an estimate of the cost before we start work. There may be fees for third parties such as the Foreign & Commonwealth Office or Embassy or another agent or courier.
How long will it take?
If the document is straightforward, already prepared and in the correct form, your meeting should not need more than 30 minutes. If the document is more complex, or if we need to draw up the document or make a proper copy, the process will take longer.
Most countries require documents to be countersigned by their London Embassy (legalisation) or by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (an Apostille) and this can take several days (see above).
Contact one of our offices at Newry , Dublin or Castlewellan for more information . Our services are offered throughout Northern Ireland though most of our clients come to us in Belfast , County Down and County Armagh
