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A notary public can certify, authenticate or witness documents that need to be sent overseas.

At PHANG LEGAL, our notary public offers fixed fee and low cost notary public services. If you have urgent requirements or need an appointment on short notice, then you must call us on +61 2 9687 8885, or visit our website at www.phanglegal.com.au for more information regarding our practice.

The concept of 'notarise' has different meanings in different countries. If your documents only require certification from a Justice of the Peace or another suitably qualified person, you should be able to secure those services without fee or charge.

If you are in Australia but sending your documents overseas, then it is likely that those documents must be signed or certified by a notary public. All countries will accept a document signed or certified by a notary public provided you have followed the necessary steps to have the document subsequently legalised by that country (which generally also involves taking the documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade after they have been notarised).

If you are unsure of what you need or the formalities required, then you should ask the intended recipient or ask whoever asked you to notarise the documents in the first place. In many cases, a foreign lawyer will have prepared your documents according to the requirements of the intended destination country and have included written instructions as to what is required before returning those documents.

Finding a notary public is not as easy as finding other professionals like a doctor, dentist, accountant or lawyer. There are only a limited number of notary publics in each state. You might be able to find a notary public in the local telephone directories, or be referred to one through law society in your state, your local courthouse or a Justice of the Peace. More often than not, you should be able to obtain a list through simply searching the internet - which seems to be the easiest method to find a notary public if you have access to the internet. When searching for a notary public, you may also use the terms 'notary', 'notaries public' or 'public notary'.

What is a notary public?

In Australia, a notary public (also known as a public notary) is a lawyer who can administer oaths and statutory declarations, witness and authenticate documents and perform certain other acts in relation to documents in Australia but intended to be used overseas. Before becoming a notary public, the lawyer must have a minimum number of years experience as a lawyer before undergoing a further course of study and examination.

What does a notary public do?

• A notary public attests documents and certifies the execution of the documents.
• A notary public prepares and certifies certain legal documents.
• A notary public administers oaths, witnesses affidavits, statutory declarations and other documents.
• A notary public certifies copies of the documents.

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Ern Phang
Solicitor & Public Notary

PHANG LEGAL
www.phanglegal.com.au

About Phang Legal

Phang Legal is a progressive and dynamic law firm offering a different attitude to the practice of law and a different approach to the delivery of legal services. The firm continues to honour the traditions and standards of the legal profession, while remaining current and relevant to ever changing client requirements and expectations. Phang Legal provides cost effective and practical solutions across a wide range of practice areas including conveyancing and property law, corporate and commercial law, litigation and dispute resolution, wills and estates (elders law), legal aid and criminal law, and notary public services.

6/83 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 AU
PO Box 1375, Parramatta NSW 2124 AU
Telephone: +61 2 9687 8885
Facsimile: +61 2 9687 8883
Web: www.phanglegal.com.au