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Notarisation of Documents

The term "Notarius" or "Tabellio" originates from ancient Rome. These were Public Officials who would copy and transcribe official and private documents. Eventually in England, 1279, the Pope authorised the Archbishop of Cantebury to appoint Notaries, as they were virtually unknown.

Click here for more information on the history of Notaries.

Nowadays, a Notary Public is normally a legal Practitioner who has been given the power and authority by the Supreme Court to authenticate and/or execute original and/or copies of the original documents. They also have the authority, to swear affidavits in accordance with the law and for the use in other foreign countries.

Michael Paterson was appointed as a General Public Notary on 17th April 2000 under the provisions of the Public Notary Act 1979.

The type of duties carried out by a Notary Public include:

  • Attesting documents and certifying the execution of the documents, generally for foreign jurisdictions
  • Witnessing and administering oaths for the execution of documents such as affidavits, affirmations and declarations
  • Certifying copies of original documents
  • Preparation of ship's protests and noting; and
  • Protesting of bills of exchange

Certain documents require an apostille to authenticate the notarial seal. This authentication is carried out by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, typically for non-commonwealth countries.

Click here for more information regarding apostilles.

Please contact our office to make an appointment with Michael Paterson, if you need him to perform any notarial work.

We charge the scale of fee for notarial work. The scale is set out [below]. For an estimate please contact Rebecca Sevilla on (08) 9443 5383 or for a fixed quote, please provide us with copies of all documents that need to be notarised.