Essential Information

Why use a notary

It is almost always the case that you have been asked to see a notary because you have a document that needs to be used abroad. Seeing a notary is never a mere rubber-stamping exercise. The international duty of a Notary involves a high standard of care. This is not only towards the client but also to anyone who may rely on the document and to Governments or officials of other countries. These people are entitled to assume that a Notary will ensure full compliance with the relevant requirements both here and abroad; and to rely on the Notary’s register and records. Great care is essential at every stage to minimise the risks of errors, omissions, alterations, fraud, forgery, money laundering, the use of false identity, and so on.

I offer appointments during business hours and occasionally outside of business hours in exceptional circumstances. Please note that I do work part time only but I am also prepared to make home visits or visit corporate clients at their place of business. If the notarial appointments take place outside of my office I will make an additional charge to cover travelling time and expenses. Occasionally I may not be able to see you within the time frame you require, or I may decide that I am not able to act for you in which case I will advise you that that is the case and will provide you with the necessary information to locate an alternative notary.

Proof of identity

Identifying you is a fundamental requirement of my profession. I cannot notarise a document unless you have, I need to see your passport, driving licence (photo version preferably) and at least two recent (i.e. within the last 2 months) utility or other bills or bank statements or letters from third parties addressed to you. If you do not have this basic documentation it would be wise to discuss the problem with me in advance. Please note that documents printed from the internet are insufficient for ID purposes.

Appointment Information

If you wish to have an appointment with me you should note the following:

Quotation

I am always very happy to give a quote for my work. If you wish to have a quote, at minimum you must let me know how many documents you wish either to have certified as true copies or to sign before me and how many people are to sign. If possible it is best you scan and send to me copies of documents to be notarised. I can then give you a quote.

If I give a quote I always stick to it, however if you present me with additional work that has not been included in my quote I may have to vary my charges so it is essential that you tell me at the time I give the quote precisely exactly what you want me to do.

Payment

Payment is by cash or bank transfer at time of Notarisation please. I currently cannot accept a payment by card.

Appointments

I will confirm the date and time of any appointment made by email. It is imperative you provide me with an email address, preferably by texting it to my telephone number.

Identification

It is essential that that you bring documentation sufficient for me to properly identify you. These are a strict requirement and part of my job as a Notary. Please note therefore you need to bring your passport, driving licence and two utility bills, bank statement or official letters addressed to you within the last months. Council tax and water rates bills for the current years are okay even if more than 3 months old.

It is of great assistance if you can scan and send me copies of your ID documents you intend to present in advance of an appointment.

Location

My office is at my home in Wisbech St Mary, which is outside Wisbech. The address to come to is Whitecroft, Station Road, Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire PE13 4RT. There is no numbering in the road, so if you have difficulty finding me please call.

Directions & Parking:

If you are coming to Wisbech St Mary from Guyhirn, the church is on the left in Guyhirn. Continue on the same road until you reach Wisbech St Mary. There is a sign as you enter the village. You will pass J S Holmes motor company which will be on your right. As the road bears right, you will take a left turn into Station Road. Whitecroft is on the left hand side and is identifiable by a white house with black close-boarded fence. There is a sign on the fence.

If travelling from Wisbech using Barton Road (B1542) you will Station Road is the first road on the right just as you go past the 40mph sign as you enter Wisbech St Mary. There is a signpost for Crowland. Whitecroft is on the lef- hand side and is identifiable by a white house with black close-boarded fence. There is a sign on the fence.

If you travelling from Wisbech via Leverington Common (B1166) turn left into Station Road at Cheyneys Bridge (with large Nursery on the left). It is sign posted Wisbech St Mary. Whitecroft is on the right-hand side and is identifiable by a white house with black close-boarded fence. There is a sign on the fence.

If you park on the road, please do not block the driveway and be mindful not to restrict driveways of other properties. There is ample space to park.

If you turn left off Station Road, into Station Drive, there are bungalows called Whitecroft Bungalows. These are not associated with me.

Witnesses:

If your document requires a witness, that can usually be me. Occasionally it either cannot be me or requires two of more witnesses. Whilst it is usually possible for me to find an additional witness, this is not always possible. If therefore your document does require more than one witness please let me know at the time you make the appointment so we can discuss how this can be dealt with. It may well be that you will have to bring a witness (who cannot be a relative). However this is something we can discuss.

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