If you have dealings outside of the UK, you may be asked to have a document certified, notarised, verified or authenticated by a Notary Public, rather than a solicitor, in order for them to be accepted in another country.
Victoria Baker is a qualified independent Notary Public who can assist individuals with the authentication of all documents for use overseas.
Notarial services include:
Independent Notary Victoria Baker can handle all your notarial requirements and provide advice on notarial and legalisation issues across a range of legal areas. Whether you are an individual with a single document or many, have a deadline or a limited budget, she can help you find a solution that fits your needs.
You can review Victoria’s Terms of Business here – Notary Terms of Business 2025 THP VB
For more information, please contact Victoria Baker, Notary Public and Solicitor.
If you have dealings outside of the UK, you may be asked to have a document certified, notarised, verified or authenticated by a Notary Public, rather than a solicitor, in order for them to be accepted in another country.
A Notary is a qualified lawyer – a member of the third and oldest branch of the legal profession in England and Wales. The rules which affect Notaries are very similar to the rules which affect Solicitors. They must be fully insured and maintain fidelity cover for the protection of their clients and the public and comply with stringent practice rules and rules relating to conduct and discipline. Notaries have to renew their practising certificates every year and can only do so if they have complied with the rules.
A Notary has two significant differences from a solicitor:
Notaries are primarily concerned with the preparation or authentication documents for use in foreign countries and the verification of signatures on those documents.
Notaries can examine and authenticate a wide range of documents and act as a witness to them or prepare certified copies of these. The notary’s role is to check that there is no fraud and to ensure that the signatory understands the documents and is entering into the transaction willingly.
A Notary will assist with the formalities required for completing a document to be notarised, however, they will not advise a client on the legal effect of the document or the transaction itself and the client must seek such advice from their own lawyer or the persons asking them to have the document notarised in the relevant jurisdiction.
Notaries can also assist in legalisation requirements whether at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and/or any other relevant embassy/consulate. Legalisation is the process by which the signature and seal of the Notary are authenticated by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office who then affix an Apostille. Countries which are not party to the Hague Convention on Apostilles require further legalisation from the relevant Foreign Embassy or High Commission.
Legal expertise balanced with a personal and attentive service.
