Notaries provide a service for commercial firms engaged in international trade, and for private individuals.

Notaries represent the oldest and smallest branch of the legal profession in England and Wales, appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. A Notary is a qualified lawyer whose task is to authenticate documents and transactions so that they can be effective in countries outside England and Wales.

At DRN, we have a long and proud history of providing notarial services, with Derek Lambert, who has over 50 years’ experience with the firm, and Nick Dearing practising as notaries. As there are fewer than 900 Notaries throughout England and Wales, we are one of the few solicitors firms in Lancashire which is able to provide this service.

COMMON TASKS INCLUDE:

• Preparing and authenticating powers of attorney for use overseas
• Dealing with the purchase and sale of land and property abroad
• Authenticating foreign wills and providing documents to deal with the estates of people who live or own property abroad

• Authenticating personal documents and information for immigration and emigration purposes, or to apply to marry or work abroad, such as education or professional qualifications or declarations of freedom to marry
• Authenticating company and business documents and transactions or providing certificates about the status of a company or the identity of its directors

Many countries will accept the Notary’s signature and seal as proof of the authenticity of a document. Other countries may require further ‘legalisation’ of a document by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office certificate known as an ‘apostille’, but again, the FCO will recognise the Notary’s authentication. At DRN, we are able to assist clients with this process.