Why Does My Document Need Notarising by a Notary Public and Not Simply Certified by a Solicitor?
When it comes to certifying the authenticity of important documents, you might wonder whether it's necessary to involve a notary public or if a solicitor's certification would suffice. In this blog post, we'll explore the distinct roles of notaries and solicitors in the certification process and why certain documents require notarisation rather than solicitor certification.
1. Impartiality and Independence
One of the key differences between notaries and solicitors lies in their roles and responsibilities. Notaries are impartial and independent legal professionals who act as neutral witnesses to document signings. Their primary duty is to verify the authenticity of signatures, ensuring that individuals signing documents are doing so of their own free will.
Solicitors, on the other hand, often have a vested interest in the legal matters they handle. While solicitors can certify documents, their certification may not carry the same level of impartiality and independence as that of a notary public.
2. International Recognition
Notaries play a crucial role in facilitating international transactions and dealings. Many countries around the world recognise notarised documents as a standard for verifying authenticity. If your document is intended for use in a foreign country, it's likely that notarisation will be required for it to be accepted as valid.
Solicitor certifications may not have the same level of international recognition and may not meet the specific requirements of foreign authorities or organisations.
3. Specialised Training
Notaries undergo specialised training and are regulated through the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Their training equips them with the knowledge and skills required to properly notarise documents, especially those intended for international use. This training includes understanding the unique legal requirements of different countries and jurisdictions.
While solicitors are highly qualified legal professionals, their training may not cover the specific nuances of notarising documents for international purposes.
4. Document Types and Legal Requirements
Certain types of documents, such as powers of attorney, international contracts, and adoption papers, often have specific legal requirements that necessitate notarisation. Notaries are well-versed in these requirements and can ensure that your document complies with them.
Solicitors typically handle a wide range of legal matters, but their expertise may not extend to the specialised notarial requirements of certain documents.
Conclusion
While solicitors play a valuable role in the legal field, notaries offer a unique set of skills and qualifications that are particularly important for certain documents, especially those with international implications. If your document is intended for use abroad, involves complex legal matters, or requires a high level of impartiality, notarisation by a notary public is often needed.
At SP Notaries, we understand the importance of notarial services in today's globalised world. Our experienced notary public, Sharon Pannu, is dedicated to ensuring the authenticity and legality of your documents, especially those intended for international use. If you have questions about whether your document requires notarisation or would like to learn more about our services, please contact us today. We're here to assist you in navigating the complexities of document certification and notarisation.