An Appointment with a Notary
08/06/2010
Getting ready to see me
Obviously, each case is different but usually the Notary will:
- need you to make an appointment
- need to see and check your evidence of identity. Generally this be a current valid passport and something like a Council tax or electricity bill to confirm your address
- need to be satisfied that you understand any document particularly a document which is not in English
- want to see any relevant papers or documents that relate to the matter
It helps a lot if you can email your document to the notary before the appointment, or post, deliver or send it to me in some other way.
What does it cost?
There are no set charges. For most matters the Notary should be able to tell you his fee in advance, particularly if you have emailed your document to me. For more complex matters I will tell you how the fee will be assessed - usually based on how long I will have to work on your matter. There may be fees to pay to third parties, such as the Foreign Office or an Embassy.
NB The Notaries Society reminds its members that they should charge a proper fee which is appropriate for the level of service offered and which will enable them to meet the cost of acting properly and in accordance with the Rules made by the governing body of the Notary; and with the demands of good professional practice.
How long will it take?
If the document is straightforward, already prepared and in the correct form the notary is likely to need to see you for a minimum of 20 minutes and complete it in half an hour. Obviously it takes longer if the document is not straightforward, or I have to draw up the document or make a proper copy.
Any countries want documents to be countersigned by their London Embassies (legalisation) and this will take several days unless you want to take them to the Embassy in person and wait in line. The fees and procedures for this vary widely but the notary should be able to give you a reasonably accurate idea of the time and cost.
Availability
Notaries keep normal office hours. I will, however make arrangements to see you out of hours or out of the office if it is necessary. This may cost more and take longer. But my main office is set up with all the necessary equipment in my home so I can be the more readily available for you.