Understanding the distinctions between different legal professions can be challenging, and you may be unsure who you need to speak to. As leading notaries in Gloucestershire, people often ask us what a Notary does, and why you would need to see a Notary instead of a solicitor. While both are legal professionals, their responsibilities, areas of expertise, and authority differ significantly.
What is a Notary Public?
A notary public is a legal professional who is authorised to certify, authenticate, and witness documents for use in legal matters, particularly those involving international transactions.
Notaries in England and Wales are much less common than solicitors, with only around 770 practising notaries! They undergo specialised training beyond their initial legal qualifications, and their role requires strict independence from the parties involved in a transaction.
Why would you need to see a Notary Public?
While solicitors are usually able to certify documents for use within England and Wales, Notaries are required when dealing with international matters, for example:
For Individuals:
For Businesses:
Notaries are typically involved in tasks such as:
A notary’s seal and signature are recognised internationally, making their services essential for cross-border legal matters.
What is a Solicitor?
A solicitor is a legal professional who advises and represents clients in legal matters within the UK and overseas. They provide expert guidance on a wide range of legal issues, from property transactions to employment disputes, family law matters, and commercial contracts.
Solicitors typically work on:
Unlike notaries, solicitors usually act on behalf of a client, offering legal advice and representation tailored to their best interests. While solicitors play a role in domestic legal matters and may advise on international law, they do not generally authenticate documents for international use - this is where notaries step in.
When Should You Use a Notary Instead of a Solicitor?
If your legal matter involves documents being sent abroad or requires international recognition, you will likely need a notary rather than a solicitor. However, for UK-based legal issues: such as buying a house, settling a dispute, or writing a will, a solicitor is the appropriate professional to consult.
Understanding the distinction between a notary and a solicitor ensures that you engage the right legal expert for your needs. If in doubt, consulting a solicitor can often be a good first step, as they may be able to direct you to a notary if necessary.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us on 01242 235202 or email us today
Many people wonder who can notarise documents in England and Wales for use abroad so they're valid and properly authenticated. In this article, we explain in-depth what a Notary Public does and why you might need them. The legal world is full of confusing terminology, and many people are unsure who they need to speak to […]
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