What is a Notary?
A Notary is a qualified lawyer - a member of the third and oldest branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom. He is appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and is subject to regulation by the Court of Faculties. The rules which affect the Notary are very similar to the rules which affect Solicitors. The Notary must be fully insured and maintain fidelity cover for the protection of their clients and the public. He must keep clients' money separately from his own and comply with stringent practice rules and rules relating to conduct and discipline. The Notary has to renew his practising certificate every year and can only do so if he has complied with the rules.
Qualification as a Notary
The Notaries Society is the representative and membership organisation for the profession of the Notary Public and although it assists in the qualification process it is not the body that admits or has control over the appointment of new notaries. In addition to its involvement in the training of new candidates to the profession the Society organises seminars and training days for its members which are open to candidates on a voluntary basis.
Qualification as a notary is regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury under the direction of the Master of the Faculties. Details of the Faculty Office and all the Rules governing the qualification and admission of the notary can be found at their website www.facultyoffice.org.uk. The main regulations are contained in the Notaries (Qualification) Rules 1998.
This Latest News article was created on 22nd May 2010