WHAT IS A NOTARY PUBLIC?
A Notary is a specialist lawyer who authenticates and certifies documents for use internationally. You may need one if you are dealing with legal matters overseas such as buying a property, studying abroad, expanding your business or getting married somewhere sunny. A Notary will ensure that any required documentation is acceptable to the relevant foreign authority and attach their own official seal and signature. All notaries are regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. For more information on the process and the history, see the 'What to Expect' and 'FAQs' sections below.
ABOUT REDWOOD NOTARY
· Redwood Notary was established by Eleanor Bethlehem, a Notary Public serving individuals and businesses across Oakham and surrounding areas in Rutland and Leicestershire. Before qualifying as a notary, Eleanor was a solicitor and began her legal career at Linklaters, a leading global law firm. This provided a strong foundation in legal practice and the careful handling of complex documentation. Living overseas and working with international companies and institutions has also given her first-hand experience of the practical challenges involved in cross-border legal and administrative matters. She brings that understanding to her notarial practice, helping clients navigate the authentication of documents for use around the world. Eleanor sees clients by appointment at her office in Knossington, Oakham.
Services
We notarise a wide range of documents for both individuals and commercial clients across all jurisdictions. Some of the more common examples of occasions when you might need a Notary are set out below. We work with your foreign counsel or overseas recipient to confirm exactly what is required and ensure the resulting document does what it needs to do, both here and abroad. Contact us to find out more.
INDIVIDUALS
Affidavits and Oaths in foreign proceedings
Attestation of deeds & documents
Buying/selling property abroad
Granting Power of Attorney to allow someone else to administer your affairs abroad
Inheriting property overseas
Passport verification & confirmation of true likeness
Proof of life for an insurance claim
Travel permission forms
University applications abroad requiring authenticated certificates/transcripts
BUSINESSES
Corporate identity and capacity verification
Corporate document authentication
for Certificates of Good Standing, Certificates of Incorporation, Memorandum & Articles etc.
Oaths, Affirmations and Declarations for international tribunals or foreign courts
Powers of Attorney for overseas branches, subsidiaries or agents
Resolutions and accounts certifications
Transfers of intellectual property, land and assets
Witnessing and authenticating contracts/tenders
APOSTILLE & LEGALISATION
We can assist with legalisation of documents, another level of authentication which is performed by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and/or the consulate or embassy of the relevant country
What to Expect
1
INITIAL
CONSULTATION
Please contact us with details of what documents you need notarising and the jurisdiction they are destined for. If you are not sure, drop us a line and we can help you establish what is needed. We will then provide a quote and set out how we plan to handle your matter. If you wish to proceed, we'll arrange an appointment to meet in person and let you know exactly what you need to do beforehand and bring with you on the day. If a notarial certificate is needed, we will prepare this and ensure all of your documentation is finalised ahead of our appointment.
2
YOUR
APPOINTMENT
When we meet we will verify your identity by looking at two forms of identification - usually a passport and bank statement (not more than 3 months old). We will then have a conversation with you to establish your capacity and understanding of the matter at hand. For corporate matters we will also need to establish that you are properly authorised. Once we are satisfied, we will ask you to sign the relevant document (don't do this before the appointment as we need to see you sign it) and then add our notarisation - either directly to the document or by way of a separate certificate - including our signature and official seal. Depending on complexity, your appointment will take around 30 minutes.
3
AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT
Once notarisation is complete and payment of agreed fees and disbursements has been made, we will hand the notarised documents to you directly or, at your request, arrange for any necessary onwards forwarding, apostille or other legalisation (See Legalisation in the FAQs below). All relevant details will be recorded in our Register and we will retain secure digital copies of the notarised document along with copies of your ID and proof of address in accordance with our Privacy Notice and UK data protection laws.
FAQs
Why would I need a Notary Public?
You'll need one if you're involved in a cross-border matter and the recipient overseas specifically requires something to be notarised. Notaries are bestowed a level of trust which is recognised internationally and are like a human firewall for a transaction - they check that people are who they say they are, that they have the capacity and authority to do what they are doing, as well as free will and understanding. Notarisation is never a mere rubber stamping exercise - it provides authentication that overseas courts and authorities can rely upon without making their own checks.
When can I see you?
You can easily schedule an appointment through our website or by contacting us directly via phone or email. We offer appointments during business hours and occasionally outside of those in exceptional circumstances.
How do I prepare for a Notary appointment?
Make sure to bring valid identification and any documents that need notarising to ensure a quick and efficient appointment. See 'What to Expect' above.
What is Legalisation and when do I need it?
Notarisation authenticates a document for use abroad, and some jurisdictions will accept a Notary’s signature and seal directly. However some countries require an additional step before they will recognise a Notary’s signature and seal. This is known as legalisation. Legalisation can be either by way of an Apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or, in some cases, through the relevant embassy or consulate.
Whether legalisation is required depends on the country and the requirements of the authority receiving your document. If you are unsure what is required, check with the overseas authority receiving your document before your appointment, or discuss the requirements with us when you make your enquiry.
Where are you located?
Our office is situated in the village of Knossington just outside Oakham. Parking is available on site.
What if my document is not in English and/or is destined for a Civil Law destination like Spain?
Where necessary we can work with certified translators and are authorised to provide certificates in the public form for use in civil jurisdictions. Please contact us with the document in question for further guidance.
Do you make home/office visits?
At this time we do not make home visits. Please enquire if you wish to have the Notary attend your offices; travel time and expenses will be charged separately.
What does it cost?
Fee estimates are provided following our consultation, as these vary on a case by case basis. As a general guide, complex matters are charged at an hourly rate of £250 (not subject to VAT). Our minimum fee is £150 (no VAT). Please note that disbursements may also be incurred - such as legalisation fees - but these will be discussed and agreed with you in advance.
Get in Touch
Please contact us for enquiries, to arrange a consultation or to make an appointment.
E-mail eleanorbethlehem@redwoodnotary.co.uk.
You may also send us a message via Whatsapp on +44 (0)7361 281622.
