Does our business need a Notary Public?
Generally speaking, if you have been asked to have a document certified, notarised, verified or similar for private or business use overseas, you will require the services of a notary public rather than a solicitor. If you are unsure, please contact us and we will be happy to advise and arrange an appointment if needed.
What is does a Notary Public do?
Notaries can examine and authenticate a wide range of documents, witnessing or obtaining certified copies of these. The notaries’ role is to check for fraud, that you understand the document(s) you are signing and that you are happy to do so. A notarised document will bear the notary’s signature and official seal of office.
These documents include all types of company documents, such as certificates of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, annual returns, board minutes and resolutions and share certificates. We also notarise powers of attorney, statutory declarations, affidavits, witness statements, trademark and patent applications and registrations, letters and many other types of documents.
Legalisation services for your business
Legalisation is the process by which the signature and seal of the Notary are authenticated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and in some cases the relevant Foreign Embassy. Some countries require this. In many cases, a certificate from the FCO called an apostille will suffice.
We provide a comprehensive legalisation service for our clients where required. These can be dealt with quickly using our London agent’s expedited service in cases of urgency.
Making an appointment
Please make an appointment by submitting an online enquiry and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Appointments will normally take place at Blandy & Blandy's offices at 33 Blagrave Street in Reading, unless we have arranged to meet you at one of the firm’s other offices or to visit your premises. Subject to availability, appointments can also be arranged at Blandy & Blandy's offices in Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham. We routinely advise organisations based in Reading and across the Thames Valley, including those located at business parks including Green Park, Thames Valley Park, Winnersh Triangle, Mulberry Business Park, Arlington Business Park and Arlington Square.
We will normally ask you to forward copies of any documents or communications with lawyers and/or bodies overseas in advance of this appointment. If the document is in any language other than English, we will usually require a translation. This is because the notary has to understand the document so as to be satisfied that you understand what it is that you are signing. The person who is signing the documents in question must attend the meeting in person and sign in the presence of the Notary. Please do not sign documents beforehand.
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