What Does A Notary Public Do?

Notaries provide a point of connection to other legal systems.

Because other Countries recognise the care we take, they trust us to witness documents and certify facts.

Notarisation of the execution (signing) of a document means that the Notary has checked:

• your identity; and
• your capacity to sign; and
• your understanding

But this does not mean that the Notary has advised you as to the wisdom or otherwise of signing the document. If, for example, you are buying a property in a foreign country, you will still need legal advice from a lawyer in that country. You may also need valuation or other advice.

Notarisation by certification of documents or facts can be taken to mean that the Notary has checked the originals so that any certification should make clear whether or not the Notary has done so.

In some specialised instances, Notarisation is also required in England.