The work of a notary public

21 April 2009



In England and Wales, Notaries are largely concerned with the verification of documents and information that will be used in other countries in the world, for clients who have business or property overseas, or who are involved in litigation in foreign Courts.

The basic function of the Notary is to verify the identity, the authority, the capacity and the will of the person appearing before him and to authenticate the event or the fact that is presented to him.

Notarisation cannot take place if violence or fraud is involved.

Notaries form an independent branch of the legal profession, although most are solicitors.

Their practice as Notaries is quite separate from their practice of any other profession or business, and is regulated by its own professional rules made by the Court of Faculties by virtue of Orders of the Master, a High Court judge.

Documents that come to a Notary are for use overseas and may be in a foreign language. If so, the Notary must ensure that both he and the client understand the meaning and effect of the document.

Notaries do not usually give advice about the meaning or effect of a document or transaction. It is important that the client shows the Notary any correspondence or advice that has been given by others relating to the document to be notarised.

B P Collins has an association with a renowned translation agency in Gerrards Cross should an official translation be required.

Our experienced notary David Wilkinson has been a Notary Public since 1985 and can be contacted on 01753 279030, by completing the online enquiry form or by emailing notary@bpcollins.co.uk.