Our Notarial Services and Functions

The history of notaries public goes as far back as ancient Rome and the time before Christ, where the scribae, or scribes, who were originally copiers and transcribers, eventually rose to the rank of a "learned professional" and took "a prominent role in public and private affairs".

The modern-day notary public can be distinguished from other forms of solicitors or lawyers, who act directly for and protect the interests of their client over and above the general interests of a particular transaction.

These days the public usually require the services of Notary Public to do with the winding up of a deceased's Estate; Execution of Deeds; Conveyancing (purchase or sale of property); Matrimonial Affidavits, e.g. in Simplified Divorce applications; Foreign and International Business or Powers-of Attorney.

We provide a full Notary Public service so that you can be sure that your documents are legally sound and properly executed.

There are times when you will need the assistance of a Notary Public to officially certify documents and administer oaths. This could be for foreign legal documentation, passport applications or certifying official deeds.

As we are Solicitors and Notary Public. We can administer Oaths and Affirmations and can assist you with the following documents which you may require to have executed:-

  • Affidavits
  • Matrimonial Affidavits
  • Statutory Declarations
  • Authenticate your execution of certain classes of documents
  • Certification of True Copies of Documents
  • Certification of Passport Application
  • Certification of official Deeds



If you are in any doubt about whether we can help, just ask by either telephoning or e-mailing us. We are always happy to assist and this can usually be done at very short notice, if required.

The functions of a notary are so numerous and extensive and entail greater responsibility and skill than any short description on this website can convey.

One of our primary functions as a notary it is to certify documents and transactions in a manner that is accepted and respected by overseas jurisdictions. This is to ensure that your documentation is given credence and legal effect on an international basis in countries outside of the United Kingdom.

We provide, by notary public authentication, authenticity and reliability to a document or act or event. Please note in fulfilling this function we must make proper enquiry to satisfy ourselves of the truth and authenticity of the situation before us.



Identity of the deponent: -

Proof of identity consistent with money-laundering standards must be seen and recorded by us. Often documents require the incorporation of a declaration by the notary that we are satisfied as to identity of the person signing the document.

An essential part of the function of the notary public is to identify the party who appears before him. The obligation on the notary to properly identify a client is governed by the obligations created by the Money Laundering Regulations.

The standard of identification is inevitably a high one and is now governed by the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), the Money Laundering Regulations 2003, 2007 and 2012 and the Terrorism Act 2000 and applies to all notaries and lawyers in Scotland.


For private individuals, the following forms of identity must be supplied by you:

  • Current Passport and preferably Photo-driver's licence
  • One of the above and proof of address document less than 3-months old e.g. a utility bill or bank/credit card statement showing your current address



For corporate client's, the following forms of identity must be supplied to us:

  • In relation to an individual person appearing and signing on behalf of the company or corporate organisation, the same documents as private individuals as stated above
  • For companies, Certificates of Incorporation and Memorandums and Articles of Association and evidence of appointments for directors
  • Board Resolution passed by the company authorising the signatory



TYPES OF NOTARIAL EXECUTIONS: -

  • Oaths Affidavits and Affirmations: - For example, affidavits under the Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981. This role was changed by the Civil Partnerships Act 2004 and the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006.
  • Foreign documents: -Documents for use in foreign jurisdictions often require execution before a notary. Please note, our authority to do so is registered with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, therefore if you require an apostil before executing such documents.
  • Notarial execution: - Signature on behalf of persons who are blind or unable to write and we ensure these comply with the Requirements of Writing (Scotland) Act 1995.
  • Miscellaneous: - Other functions can include notarising entry of a person to overseas territories, notarising documents in connection with formation of overseas companies etc.


What sets us apart

Why should you choose us? We are qualified professionals. Our legal background and training as well as our personal and tailored approach, to every situation, enables us to provide you with a quick, efficient and quality, service, giving you peace of mind.Let us notarize your documents.



Apostiles

Certain documents for use abroad require a signature and notarial seal and then to be "legalised" (authenticated) by the Foreign and Commonwealth office in London. See the Hague Convention on legalisation of foreign documents, for further details. Our signature and seal are registered with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for this purpose. Once notarised documents if required can be sent to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Legalisation Office for the application of the Apostille together with payment of the relevant fee and outlays for this government service.


Please contact us to discuss your requirements by using our e-mail or by telephone to 0141-357-5151 as we are confident, we can assist you.