In advance of our meeting

I may be able to see you at very short notice but please do contact me before turning up to see me as sometimes normally I would need to see the documents in advance and do not sign any document in advance of our meeting. It will help us all if an appointment is arranged first and I will try and be as accommodating as possible. I will require in advance, a copy of the document(s) to be notarised, together with any correspondence or other forms of advice/requirements specified by any third parties, including foreign lawyers.

I will then need sufficient time to consider the formalities which will be necessary to complete the notarial act.

Please bring original and appropriate means of your identification and your corporate (or other) authority, together with the same for each person or party who will be appearing before me in any formal capacity.

Private individuals

For private individuals this means a current valid passport or driving licence with adequate evidence of current residential address e.g. a council demand,utility bill or bank statement issued within the last three months.

Companies

For companies, this kind of information can usually be obtained, by me, direct from Companies House, however, on occasion it will be necessary for original minute books/board resolution(s) to be produced to me for inspection.

Legalisation

Further authentication, in the form of an ‘Apostille’ from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and/or from the appropriate foreign consulate or embassy in England (called ‘Legalisation’) will often be required. Where it is, this process will involve delays and additional costs about which you will be properly informed.

Translations

Official translations of foreign language documents may be required as a condition of due notarisation. In such cases additional costs will be incurred.

Other matters

Only original certificates (as opposed to copies) will be acceptable as evidence of public records such as those of birth, marriage and death. In the usual situation, where only direct notarial certification or authentication is required, my notarial responsibility extends only to the notarial formalities themselves. No advice will be given, nor responsibility accepted, for the drafting or effect of any documents which I have not myself prepared. Where required, you will need to obtain separate advice on these aspects.

Your personal attendance, normally at my offices, will always be required. In exceptional cases I will, of course, see you at your home, or elsewhere, but additional costs will inevitably be incurred (instructions should normally be agreed prior to attendance).