A Notary Public is a public officer (usually a practising solicitor) appointed by Statute or Commission to witness documents, administer oaths, or perform other administrative functions of an international nature.

A Notary Public is also referred to as an "International Justice of the Peace".

When witnessing or signing a document, the Notary affixes his/her official seal to the document.

Our services include:

• Attestation of documents and certification of their due execution for use in Australia and internationally
• Preparation and certification of powers of attorney, wills, deeds, contracts and other legal documents for use in Australia and internationally
• Administering of oaths for use in Australia and internationally
• Witnessing affidavits, statutory declarations, powers of attorney, contracts, and other documents for use in Australia and internationally
• Certification of copy documents for use in Australia and internationally
• Exemplification of official documents for use internationally
• Noting and protesting of bills of exchange
• Preparation of ships' protests

History
The office of a notary is ancient and has its origin in the civil institutions of ancient Rome. The office developed from the scribes until they become independent officers whose certificate and seal was awarded recognition in the same way as a document under the seal of a court.

With the decline of the Roman Empire the power to appoint Notaries was eventually assumed by the Pope. The Pope delegated the power to the Archbishop of Canterbury. During the reign of Henry VIII, the power to appoint Notaries was assumed by the King and a Court of Faculties under the Archbishop of Canterbury was created. Since then, all Notaries have been appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Email to contact our Notary Public:
notary@williamslaw.com.au