What is a notary public?

Why Are Notaries Important for International Transactions?

Notaries are integral to the smooth functioning of international legal and financial transactions. In many countries, legal documents must be notarised to be accepted as valid. This means they need to be reviewed, certified, and authenticated by a notary public. This service ensures that documents are prepared according to the legal standards of both the country where they originated and the country where they will be used.

For example, if a UK citizen wishes to sell property or transfer shares in a company located in another country, they may be required to use the services of a notary to certify the necessary documents. Since legal systems vary across borders, a notary acts as a bridge, ensuring that the paperwork is compliant with both UK laws and the regulations of the foreign country. Authorities in other nations trust UK notaries to verify the accuracy of information, as they know these professionals adhere to rigorous legal standards and protocols.

What Does a Notary Public Do?

The services of a notary can vary widely depending on the client’s needs, but there are several common tasks that notaries frequently perform:

• Handling Overseas Property Transactions: When an individual is buying or selling property in another country, a notary public helps with the preparation and certification of the necessary legal documents.
• Managing Overseas Estates: In cases where a person owns assets in a foreign country and passes away, a notary may prepare the legal documents needed to manage or distribute the estate according to the applicable laws.
• Preparing Powers of Attorney: A notary is often involved in creating and witnessing documents that grant someone legal authority to act on behalf of another person, particularly in international contexts. This is known as a power of attorney, and it is crucial when dealing with matters such as property management or business decisions abroad.
• Verifying Identification: Notaries are responsible for confirming the identity of individuals involved in various transactions. This may involve verifying documents such as passports or ensuring that signatures are legitimate. This service is especially important in international business dealings, immigration matters, and property transfers.
• Confirming Mental Capacity: In certain situations, a notary public may be required to confirm that a person signing a document is of sound mind and has the mental capacity to understand and agree to the terms of the legal agreement.

How Are Notaries Regulated?

In the United Kingdom, notaries are highly regulated to maintain the integrity and reliability of their work. They are appointed by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury, a legal institution that has regulated notaries for centuries. The Master of the Faculties, who operates under the authority of the Archbishop, ensures that all notaries adhere to stringent professional standards.

Some key requirements for notaries include:

• Professional Insurance: Notaries must maintain insurance to protect against any errors or omissions that might occur in their work.
• Separate Client Funds: Notaries are required to keep any money they handle for clients in a separate account from their own funds. This ensures transparency and protects client interests.
• Regular Audits: Notaries undergo routine audits and checks to ensure that they are complying with professional standards and regulations.
• Continual Certification: Notaries must keep their practicing certificates up to date, which involves meeting ongoing education and professional development requirements.

Notaries in London

As a major financial hub, London is home to a large number of notaries who play a vital role in facilitating international transactions. Whether it’s for business, property, or personal legal matters, London notaries ensure that documents are properly authenticated and legally valid for use abroad.

For example, at South London Notaries, clients frequently seek assistance with verifying identification and preparing documents for international use. This helps to prevent potential delays or disputes in international transactions, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Whether you need to sign a document for a business deal or prepare a power of attorney for use overseas, the services of a notary in London can provide the expertise you need to handle complex international legal matters.

If you need the help of a notary public in London, or if you’re curious about how notaries can assist you, feel free to check out our notarial services or give us a call at 020 7268 4871. We’re here to help with all your notarial needs!