Richard Brooks has been admitted as a Notary since 1988

What is a Notary?

The office of notary is a very old one originating in the time of Cicero during the late Roman Republic in the 1st Century BC. After the fall of the Roman Empire, notaries were employed to record the proceedings in the newly created local courts.

Little record exists of notaries in England before 1279. English courts did not deem their services necessary. In 1279 the Pope gave the Archbishop of Canterbury the power to appoint notaries, a power he retains today, but under the authority of the Crown.

As the authority of a notary extends world-wide his services became more important with the growth of international trade etc.

On admission the notary is granted a faculty from the Archbishops office, has to be faithful to the doctrines of the Church of England and take an oath of allegiance to the Crown.

What does a Notary do?

A notary is an officer of the law appointed by the Court of Faculties whose public office and duty is to draw, attest or certify under his official seal, for use anywhere in the world, deeds and other documents, so as to render them acceptable to judicial and other public authorities in the countries in which they are to be used.

Fees

The minimum fee is £65. Fees will depend on the complexity of the matter and the time spent based on an hourly rate of £180.

Documents may also have to be produced to the Foreign Office under the Hague Convention. A fee of £28.80 per document is levied by the Foreign Office. In addition further production is sometimes required at the Consulate of the country concerned. Fees vary considerably between Consulates.

Identification

Before any documents can be signed identification must be produced in the form of a valid passport. Please make sure you have that with you when attending any appointment.

If you asking for documents to be certified as true copies you must produce the originals.

Appointments

You must make an appointment beforehand. Mr Brooks will need time to look at all documents, clarify what needs to be done and make register entries. At least half an hour will be required.

Regulation

Our notorial practice is regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.