A notary, by their seal and signature, is an official recognised in many jurisdictions, unlike an English solicitor.
When is a notary required?
A document created in England for use in another legal jurisdiction may require to be notorised, and in some instances, legalised for it to be accepted in the foreign jurisdiction by lawyers or public authorities of that country.
An individual using a notary for personal purposes
Typical documents that need notaration are:
- Sale and purchase of land, houses, "time-shares", mortgages or bank loans abroad
- Powers of Attorney
- Contract or tender documents
- The opening of tenders for land sales in England where tenders have been received from abroad
- Copies of birth and marriage certificates and certificates of university degrees, professional qualifications and diplomas
- Sale or purchase documents of company shares
- Translation of documents from English to another language (and vice versa)
- Protesting a bill of exchange which has been dishonoured
Using a notary for commercial purposes
Companies engaged in international trade will find the assistance of a notary useful. A notary provides documents that are probative in the foreign legal jurisdiction where the company is required to rely on or produce the document.
Denison Till is a member of Geneva Group International (GGI), one of the world's leading networks of professional independent accounting, consulting and law firms all over the world.
It is necessary for the signatory to attend before the notary. Evidence of identity, residential address and capacity needs to be produced. To book an appointment, telephone 01904 623487 or email ems@denisontill.com
