Useful Information

Documents we notarise.
Foreign language translations of UK documents.
Fees and Payment
Legalisation
Originals or certified copies; what documents may be legalised?
Wills in relation to property nowned overseas
Terms of Business and Compliance Information
Currency Watch

Documents we notarise include:

* Corporate records * Contracts and different types of Declarations * International Affidavits * Sworn Statements * Depositions * Adoption Home Study Reports and related documentation * Documentation in connection with Bills of Exchange * Shipping documentation * Certified Translations * Fingerprinting confirmation * Lost Passports & Birth Certificates * Change of Name * Marriage Certificates & Confirmation of Single Status * Certified Copy Documents * Statutory Declarations * Authentication of identity and signatures * documents in connection with sponsoring relatives from abroad

Foreign language translations of UK documents.

Translation service avaialbe. Foreign documents which require legalisation may be appended to a notarial coversheet, only the notarial certificate is legalised. Alternatively photocopies of foreign documents can be legalised as being true copies of the original document.

Fees

Fees are assessed mainly by reference to the time spent on the matter, on the basis of an hourly charging rate. My current hourly rate is £180 subject to a minimum fee of £80. (although there is a discount available for regular clients). I charge extra for out of hours appointments, by negotiation. I release documents upon payment of my invoice. Rates are reviewed from time to time. In accordance with notarial practice guidelines (which stipulate that fees should be fair and reasonable having regard to all the circumstances of the case), my fees may also include an additional element reflecting other factors including value, importance, speed, complexity or special skills. If instructions are terminated for any reason, a charge will be made for all work carried out to date. Separate charges are made for any disbursements or expenses incurred on your behalf. You may be asked to provide monies on account. Costs include preparatory and drafting work, correspondence and attendances. My practice is not registered for value added tax, and expenses and disbursements will be charged gross.

ESTIMATES:
It is difficult to estimate in some cases how much time will be required to complete a matter, bearing in mind the variety of circumstances that may arise. However, guidance as to likely costs will be given on receipt of instructions and sight of documents. Any estimates given will be based on the information available at the time and, although given in good faith, will not be binding.

INVOICES:
Fees are normally due for settlement on completion of work and prior to release of completed documents. Invoices are delivered where required for work carried out, expenses incurred and disbursements made during the conduct of a matter.

Legalisation

For some legal documents to be effective outside the United Kingdom, they must be ‘legalised’. Legalisation is the official confirmation that the signature, seal and stamp of the notary is that of a genuine, practising UK notary public.

Stage one involves the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO): they verify the notary’s signature and attach an ‘Apostille’ to your document or to the Notarial Cover Sheet prepared by the notary.

Stage two: some countries require a further verification process from their embassies or consulates. We can do all this for you, just ask.


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