Notary Public
What is a Notary Public?
A Public Notary in Australia is a public officer, usually a qualified solicitor, appointed for life by a State or Territory Supreme Court. Notaries are authorised to witness documents, administer oaths, and perform a range of administrative functions, including certifying documents for use overseas. Unlike a Justice of the Peace (JP), the services of a Notary Public are recognised internationally, making them essential for legal transactions that cross borders.
Key Functions of a Notary Public
Notaries perform several important functions to ensure the authenticity and legal validity of documents. They witness signatures on legal documents, administer oaths (which are solemn declarations under penalty of perjury), certify documents for domestic or international use, and prepare and certify various legal instruments such as powers of attorney, wills, deeds, and contracts. These functions safeguard both parties in legal transactions and ensure compliance with legal standards.
Notary Public vs. Justice of the Peace (JP)
While both Notaries Public and Justices of the Peace can witness signatures and administer oaths, the main distinction lies in international recognition. Notaries Public provide services that are legally recognised overseas, whereas a JP’s authority is generally limited to Australia. In New South Wales, all notaries are qualified lawyers with at least five years of experience, who complete the prescribed Notarial Practice Course and apply through the Legal Profession Admission Board before being appointed by the Supreme Court under the Public Notaries Act 1997(NSW).
Notarial Services Offered by Our Centre
Our centre provides comprehensive notarial services for both individuals and corporations. Services include authenticating official, government, and personal documents for overseas use; witnessing signatures and verifying identity; witnessing signing of deeds, powers of attorney and court documents; certifying true copies of original documents; and verifying education, employment, and medical records. Additionally, we assist with corporate documentation, land and property matters, deceased estates, and specialised services such as ships’ protests and bills of exchange.
Our team ensures that all notarial services are conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and legal compliance, tailored to meet the needs of both individual and corporate clients.
Contact Us
PHONE: (02) 8677 5386
MOBILE: 0414 861 318
EMAIL: office@yfxlawyers.com.au
ADDRESS:
Suite 27, Level 2, 1-5 Harrow Road
Auburn NSW 2144