Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much do Notarial Services cost?
A: There is usually 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 Certificates 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: At the moment, 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:
Bank Statement or
Utility Bill (not mobile phone) or
Council Tax bill.
(issued within the last 3 months prior to appointment)
Q: How long will it take?
A: Unless I am asked to prepare a Certificate, the appointment should last no more than 20 to 30 minutes.
Q: Do you draft and prepare documents?
A: No - you will need to have most documents prepared by a lawyer qualified in the country in which the document is to be used.
Q: Do you deal with the stamping of documents at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (the Apostille) and/or Embassies and Consulates, commonly known as legallisation?
A: Yes. I would need to quote the fees for this as an additional item. You should always ask whoever is requesting the Notarised document, whether such legalisation is required. Otherwise if you ask me I will always have to give the default answer – “Yes”.
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. A Notary has to sit additional exams and undergo a further 2 years supervision.
Q: Can a Notary do any other legal work than Notarial work?
A: Yes, but not all Notaries choose to do so. However, I only undertake Notarial 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: What are your working hours and do you work at the weekend?
A: Often I can arrange to see you by appointment on Saturday mornings. My opening hours are shown on Google as 9am - 5.30pm on Weekdays and 9am - 12.00pm on Saturdays. However, this can vary and drop-ins are not accepted. An appointment is essential.
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.?
Q: Do you have Professional Indemnity Insurance?
A: Yes I maintain a policy in the sum of £1m.
Q: If I am dissatisfied with your services what do I do?
A: Please refer to my “Regulatory” page for this.