What is a Notary Public?
Notaries Public are the oldest branch of the legal profession, tracing their history as legal officers back to at least Ancient Rome. The functions of Notaries include the preparation and execution of legal documents for use abroad, attesting the authenticity of deeds and writings, and protesting bills of exchange. Notaries in England and Wales may also provide any non-contentious legal services, including conveyancing and the preparation of applications for probate papers.
Despite the notarial profession’s ancient origins there is still a need for the work of a Notary Public – described by some as “the most important profession you have never heard of” because of their importance in facilitating international trade and other cross-border legal matters. And the Master of the Faculties, still acting on behalf of, and appointed by, the Archbishop of Canterbury with the approval of HM The King and working through the modern Faculty Office, has been the person responsible for appointing and regulating Notaries for nearly 500 years.
When might I need a Notary?
The most common reasons why an individual might need to instruct a notary are:
- In connection with the sale or purchase of a property abroad
- To verify documents in relation to a business transaction abroad
- To verify documents in relation to education or employment abroad
- To certify documents relating to court proceedings overseas
- To permit a child to travel overseas with a family friend or single parent