Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do Notarial Services cost?
A: There is a minimum charge of £120.00. This might cover the witnessing of one signature or the certifying of one document. If you have more than one document for signature or more than one person attending or there are other issues involved you need to obtain an estimate of my fees.
If there is more than one document for certifying for the same person, the fees will increase at a rate dependant on the nature and number of documents and whether or not their verification is required.
If documents require preparing or there are circumstances where additional time is required for giving advice or attention to a particular job, a quotation or estimate may be required.
Q: Do you accept credit / debit cards?
A: No, only cash or a bank transfer on the day or in advance.
Q: What documents will I need to bring with me?
A: I will need to see and photocopy two ID documents:
Passport or EU Travel ID Card or UK Travel Card and
Either:
Driving Licence or a recent
Bank Statement or
Utility Bill (not mobile phone) or
Council Tax bill.
Q: How long will it take?
A: Unless I am asked to prepare a document, the appointment should last no more than 20 minutes.
Q: Do you draft and prepare documents?
A: Yes. I am experienced in the drafting of Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, Statutory Declarations, Certificates, Consents, Authorisations and many other deeds and documents for use in foreign Countries.
Q: Will the documents you prepare be acceptable in the foreign country?
A: I will not prepare documents for foreign countries unless both you and I are satisfied that they will be accepted within the legal system.
Q: Do you deal with the stamping of documents at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (the Apostille) and/or Embassies and Consulates?
A: Yes. I would need to quote the fees for this as an additional item.
Q: Why do I need a Notary?
A: An English Solicitor only has jurisdiction to sign documents which are for use within England and Wales. A Notary’s jurisdiction for such a purpose is worldwide.
Q: Do I need to attend in person or can I send someone else in with a document I have signed.
A: In most cases you must attend in person.
Q: What is a Notary?
A: A Notary is a fully legally qualified lawyer, who usually is also a Solicitor.
Q: Can a Notary do any other legal work than Notarial work?
A: Yes, but not all Notaries choose to do so. In addition to carrying out Notarials, I undertake Wills, Probate and Trust work.
Q: Are you governed by the Law Society.
A: No. My Governing body is the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and I am a member of the Notaries Society. On attending an appointment, you will be given an information sheet on my Practice, which will include details of my regulatory body’s complaints procedure and my terms of business.
Q: Do you speak foreign languages and translate documents into foreign languages?
A: I have an understanding of French, German and Spanish and can arrange for translation and interpretation in most other languages.
Q: Do you have disabled access facilities?
A: My office is on the ground floor and disabled access is straightforward. I am able to see the elderly or disabled in my car park in the vehicle, or by special arrangement in their own home where necessary.
Q: Do you work at the weekend?
A: Often I can arrange to see you by appointment on Saturday mornings.
Q: How soon can an appointment be made?
A: I can usually see you the same or next day.
Q: Can you see me at my place of work or my home?
A: Yes. However, there will be an additional charge, which will vary dependent upon the distance to be travelled. Ask for a quote.?