Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Notary?
A notary, or notary public, is a legal professional appointed by the state to act as an impartial witness for various legal formalities. Their primary role is to authenticate, verify, and certify documents and transactions for use in both domestic and international affairs.
2. What services do Notaries provide in the UK?
Notaries offer a variety of services for individuals and businesses, including:
- Notarising documents
- Verifying signatures
- Certifying copies of documents
- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Preparing legal documents such as powers of attorney and affidavits
- Assisting with document authentication and legalisation for use overseas
3. How is notarisation different from solicitor certification?
While both notaries and solicitors can certify documents, there are key differences:
- Notaries have specific legal training and are authorised to perform notarial acts, particularly those involving international matters.
- Solicitors have a broader legal practice that extends beyond notarial services.
4. When would I need to use notary services in the UK?
You may need notary services if you are:
- Engaging in overseas business transactions
- Immigrating to another country
- Getting married abroad
- Buying property in a foreign country
Notaries ensure that documents are legally recognised and accepted internationally.
5. How can a notary help with document authentication and legalisation?
Notaries assist in obtaining the necessary certifications to ensure your documents are accepted in foreign countries. This includes:
- Apostille Certification – Obtained from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for recognition in Hague Convention countries.
- Embassy Attestation – Required for documents used in non-Hague Convention countries.
6. What are the fees for notary services?
Notary fees vary depending on the complexity and nature of the services required. At Pardus Bloom, we review your documents with a notary and provide a full quotation based on your needs.
7. What is document legalisation?
Document legalisation is the process of preparing legal documents for use outside the UK. It can involve:
- Notarisation and solicitor certification
- Apostille certification
- Embassy attestation (for non-Hague Convention countries)
8. How do I legalise a document with an apostille?
If you need an apostille from the FCDO, we can help. At Pardus Bloom, we offer:
- Express Service: For documents received before 11 am, we offer next-day processing. Submissions after 11 am are completed within two working days.
- Standard Plus Service: A one-week processing option.
9. What’s the difference between legalisation and an apostille?
- Legalisation: The overall process of authenticating a document for international use, which may involve multiple steps.
- Apostille: A specific type of certification under the Hague Apostille Convention that simplifies the legalisation process for participating countries.
For non-Hague Convention countries, further embassy or consular legalisation may be required.
10. How do you legalise documents in the UK?
- Review your documents – We determine the necessary steps (notarisation, solicitor certification, etc.).
- Obtain an apostille – If applicable, we submit your documents to the FCDO.
- Additional legalisation – If required, we assist with embassy or consular attestation.
Some documents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, do not require solicitor certification as they are already signed by Public Registrars.