Notarial Services

What is a Notary Public?

Our Partner, Laura Carter, is a Notary Public. When she says this, people ask ‘What is a Notary Public, and what do they do’?

Notaries in England and Wales form the third and oldest branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom. The office of a Notary Public is steeped in history having its origin in Roman times. Notaries were originally scribes or copiers before developing into a profession.

Notaries are common place in other countries carrying out Probate and Conveyancing in those countries and other non-contentious legal work. Indeed, here in England Notaries can carry out Probate and Conveyancing.

A Notary is an Officer of the Law who holds an internationally recognised public office. Therefore, a Notary Public’s seal and signature is recognised as evidence of a responsible Legal Officer almost worldwide.

A Notary Public prepares Notarial Acts, mainly being documents executed in England and Wales for use everywhere in the world. For example the types of work which a Notary can do is attesting Powers of Attorney and other deeds and certify documents for use abroad. A Notary is also best placed to advise on whether the document requires to be further legalised at the Foreign and Commonwealth or the Embassy of the country where the document is required.

Laura’s specialism is documents for use in Spain since she is fluent in Spanish and often carries out translations to or from the Spanish language. In addition to being a Notary Public, Laura also practises as a Solicitor with VSH Law specialising in Wills, Probate, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work.

If you would like to know more about Laura’s Notarial Practice, you can see more at her website: www.lauracarternotary.co.uk.