What does a notary do?

In Victoria a public notary is a specifically qualified senior practicing lawyer who holds a unique public office of trust and fidelity within the legal system.

Among other things a notary has the international recognised power and authority to

for use outside Australia, anywhere in the world.

One of the most common services provided is the witnessing of a signature however it is not as simple as it sounds.

Prior to witnessing the signature of a person, notaries need to be satisfied of the identity of the person signing the document and that, where signing on behalf of a company, the person has the authority to sign the document. A notary must determine that a signatory does not suffer any legal incapacity and ensure that a signatory fully understands the nature and effect of the contents of a document to be signed and witnessed.

In most cases, when witnessing a signature, a notarial certificate is also required which describes how a person has been identified and the circumstances in which the document has been signed and will include other information as required.

In addition to witnessing signatures for international use Peter assists individuals and corporate entities with notarising and legalising the following documents

Statutory Declarations & Affidavits;
Powers of Attorney;
Certification of personal documents (passports, bank statements);
International estate execution;
Purchase/sale of overseas real estate;
Identity verifications for overseas education and vocational institutions;
Verification of qualifications and personal particulars for overseas employment;

Consent to travel Letters;
Commercial Powers of Attorney
Certificates of Legal Representative
Certificates of Free Sale
Pharmaceutical regulatory documents
Certificates of Good Standing
ASIC Document Certifications (company extracts, certificates of incorporation)
Certificates of Good Standing

Melbourne Notarial Services Fees

Prior to your visit, Peter can give you cost estimate. As requirements vary between destination countries, if you can provide the documents by email before your visit, the estimate is likely to be more accurate. If Peter provides an estimate and, once he sees the documents, further work is required then he will let you know prior to undertaking the work what the increased cost is likely to be.

Witnessing the execution of a Power of Attorney and preparing a notarial certificate

$350.00

Notarisation of identity documents including preparing a notarial certificate

$250.00

Verification of degree certificate/testamur and preparing a notarial certificate

$300.00

Verification of signature without a certificate