A Notary Public is an attorney admitted and authorised by the High Court of South Africa to witness signatures, draw and attest contracts and statements, and authenticate the validity of certain documents. Due to the ethical and specialist nature of the services they render, a Notary Public is held to a higher standard of care than a regular attorney, making the office of a Notary Public highly esteemed in the legal profession.
Notarial Deeds
Certain documents are required by law to be notarially executed, which means a Notary Public must draft, sign, and witness the document. These documents, known as notarial deeds, include:
- Ante- and postnuptial contracts
- Deeds of servitude
- Deeds of cession of usufruct
- Notarial leases
- Trust deeds of donation
- Notarial bonds
At Vermeulen Attorneys, our Notary Public ensures that these documents are properly drafted, witnessed, and kept in safe custody. A Notary Public is also responsible for maintaining a protocol and register of all documents drafted and attested to before them, ensuring an accurate record of each transaction.
Apostille and Authentication Services
In addition to notarial deeds, our Notary Public provides services for the legalisation of documents for use internationally. This process includes attestation, apostille, authentication, and notarisation of documents. Depending on the country where the document will be used, the following processes may apply:
- Apostille Certificate: For documents to be used in countries that are signatories to The Hague Convention (to which South Africa is a party), an Apostille Certificate is issued.
- Certificate of Authentication: For countries not party to The Hague Convention, a Certificate of Authentication is issued.
These certifications are essential for validating documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits, and contracts for use in foreign jurisdictions.
Why Choose Vermeulen Attorneys?
Our Notary Public department at Vermeulen Attorneys offers a reliable and professional service, ensuring that all documents are drafted, authenticated, and executed to the highest standards. Whether you require assistance with notarial deeds, apostilles, or document authentication for international use, we are here to provide expert guidance.
