In certain circumstances, we are very happy to assist you with the following:
- Swearing oaths or affidavits
- Statutory declarations
- Notarising documents
Oaths and Affidavits
An oath or an affidavit is a document which needs to be sworn before a solicitor or commissioner for oath. These documents are usually documents that are required by or to be used in Court. The person swearing the oath or affidavit (you) is confirming the contents of the documents are true as if under an oath in court. Example – Oaths for executors or administrators in probate matters
Statutory Declarations
Statutory Declarations are similar to affidavits and are usually used when evidence under oath is needed outside of court. The statement is a formal statement by the person confirming that something is true to the best of their knowledge. The person who has prepared the statutory declaration for you can not take accept the declaration, it must be declared before somebody independent. Examples – Declarations regarding solvency or property.
The cost of swearing an oath or affidavit or making a statutory declaration is £5 for each document to be sworn or declared and additional £2 for each attachment referred to known as an “exhibit”.
Services We Do Not Provide
We regret that we cannot offer the following services:
- Certifying documents for non MW clients
- Bearing witness to the signing of any documents for non MW client
- Completing Land Registry ID1 and ID2 forms
- Bearing witness to the signing of a Change of Name Deed
- Counter signing passport applications
- Anything that requires the giving of “independent legal advice”
It is at the discretion of the individual Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths as to whether they are willing to provide this service on a case by case basis.
Notarised Document
Sometimes documents, usually those required internationally, need to be notarised. This can only be done by a Notary Public. This is a more formal and complex process than swearing an oath or affidavit. The documents are usually intended to be used in foreign legal jurisdictions where the Notary may either authenticate the document or draw up a narrative summary of the documents.
If you require the services of a Notary Public, please call us on 0203 551 8100 or use or Contact Us page.
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- Super User
A Notary, or Notary Public, can authenticate or witness most documents on behalf of an individual or a company.
What does a Notary do?
Foreign documents often need to be notarised so that the foreign jurisdiction can be sure that it is an original document (if they need a copy) and it acts as confirmation of your identity and that you signed the document personally (if needed). We can arrange legalisation and consular verification where appropriate.
The most frequent documents needing to be notarised on behalf of companies and individuals are Powers of Attorney; closely followed by making certified copies of various certificates such as
- A certified copy of a passport
- Certified copies of academic certificates, or Company documentation.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certificate that is attached to the notarised document by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This acts as confirmation that the Notary is a fully qualified Notary and allows the person/organisation who received the document to check the authority of the Notary.
Some countries require additional steps to be taken once the Apostille is issued. The document may also need to be sent to the Consulate for that country for further legalisation. We can assist in these steps if required.
Appointments
It is useful for the Notary to see any documentation in advance so they can check to see what steps need to be taken and to ensure that there are no mistakes or information missing in the document.
Whilst we try to ensure that matters are dealt with as quickly as possible, it is not always possible to arrange same day appointments although we try our best to do this where possible. If an Apostille is needed, this can take 3 – 5 business days to be processed, although a next day service is available.
Our Notary Services
McMillan Williams has a number of offices through London and the South and We offer a full range notary services by prior appointment at the following offices:
Call us today on 0203 551 8500 or email us at enquiries@mwsolicitors to arrange an appointment
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- Mark Stubberfield
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