So, What is a Notary Public?

If you’ve never used a Notary Public service before, or even if you have, it can be difficult to understand what exactly a notary is and why they are necessary. When creating a legal document you will need to get it notarised or signed by a notary public, and until you know exactly what that means, this step can seem confusing and unnecessary.

Simply put, a notary is a public officer who serves the public in non-contentious matters and authenticates legal documents. No-contentious matters usually concern deeds, estates, powers of attorney, and foreign or international business. A notary public is empowered by law and custom to undertake the duties of a notary and all notarial acts are recognised internationally.

What Does a Notary Do?

The main purpose of a notary public is to prevent fraud by witnessing the signing of documents and verifying their authority. The functions of a notary include:

- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Taking affidavits and statutory declarations
- Executing deeds, contracts, and other written documents
- Provide notice of foreign drafts
- Authenticating documents
- Drawing up powers of attorney and other legal documents

When Would I Need to Use a Notary Service?

There are many times or situations in which you will require the services of a notary public. The most likely the situations is if you need to send papers or documents abroad to foreign jurisdictions. You may require a notary in relation to:

- International contracts
- Affidavits for use in foreign courts
- Foreign adoption papers
- Copies of State documents for use abroad
- Powers of attorney

Hugh McGroddy Notary Public Dublin 

At Hugh McGroddy we offer our clients a professional notary service. For more information on this service visit our Notary Page. If you need an experienced notary then get in touch with our team today on 01 4404890.