Brisbane Notary
Our Notary Services
Same Day
Notary Services
Peter Tobin and John McLaughlin provide a full range of Notary services and welcome your call to discuss your individual requirements.
Witness
Witness signatures for documents which are required for overseas use in other countries, including affidavits, powers of attorney, statutory declarations, contracts.
Certification
Certify that copies of documents are legitimate and valid.
Attestation
Prepare and certify wills, deeds, contracts, powers of attorney, contracts for both Australian and international use.
Administer Oaths
Administer oaths and verifies documents for both international and Australian documents.
Registation
Exemplifies official documents for use overseas.
Lodgement
Notes and protests bills of exchange and prepares ship’s protests.
Same day notary services available
Contact Peter or John for a quote or to schedule an appointment
Affidavits
Affidavits are sworn written statements needed in various legal contexts—such as property disputes, family court proceedings, or declarations. An affidavit holds the same weight as if the declarant had spoken under oath in court.
Preparing for Notarisation
- Draft the affidavit clearly and concisely, usually with legal assistance.
- The deponent (the individual swearing the affidavit) should bring valid identification.
- Any supporting documents referenced in the affidavit should be ready for review.
The Notarisation Process
- Verification: The Notary Public confirms the deponent’s identity.
- Understanding: The Notary ensures the deponent fully comprehends the content of the affidavit.
- Witnessing & Sealing: The affidavit is signed before the Notary, who then applies their seal, formally notarising the statement.
Consent for Minors to Travel
When a minor travels without both parents or legal guardians, a notarised consent form is often required. This document serves as evidence that the child has permission to travel, helping to prevent potential legal implications related to child protection laws. It’s particularly crucial for international travel, where immigration authorities frequently request proof of consent from non-travelling guardians.
Preparing for Notarisation
Guardians should:
- Complete a travel consent form that includes the full names of the child, travel itinerary, and details of the consenting guardian(s).
- Bring the child’s birth certificate.
- Provide valid identification for the parent(s) or guardian(s) giving consent.
The Notarisation Process
- Identity Verification: The Notary Public will verify the identities of the consenting guardians.
- Witnessing: The Notary will witness the signing of the consent form.
- Seal & Certification: The document is officially sealed and signed by the Notary, granting it international credibility.
This notarised consent is often required by airlines and immigration authorities to ensure compliance with child protection regulations.
Authentication: Apostille and Legalisation
When a notarised document is intended for use outside of Australia, it may require further authentication or legalisation to be recognised in the destination country. This can include:
- Apostille: If the destination country is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, the document can be endorsed with an apostille by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Authentication or Legalisation: If the destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, DFAT will authenticate the document, and the foreign embassy or consulate may then legalise it.
These additional steps ensure the notarised document meets international standards and is legally valid in the receiving jurisdiction.
Attestation
Prepare and certify wills, deeds, contracts, powers of attorney, contracts for both Australian and international use.
Administer Oaths
Administer oaths and verifies documents for both international and Australian documents.
Lodgement
Notes and protests bills of exchange and prepares ship’s protests.
Contact us
North Brisbane
Phone
South Brisbane
Phone
Address
18 Carol Ave, Springwood QLD 4127
The Notarisation Process in Detail
1. Preparation
- Gather Documents: Identify the exact documents you need notarised and ensure they’re correctly filled out (e.g., consent forms, affidavits, powers of attorney).
- Valid Identification: Have acceptable ID ready (e.g., passport, driver’s licence).
- Contact the Notary Public: Confirm fees, document requirements, and set an appointment.
2. Verification and Signing
- Identity Check: The Notary will verify each signatory’s identity.
- Review: The Notary ensures the signatory understands the document’s content and purpose.
- Witnessing: The signatory signs the document in the presence of the Notary.
- Seal & Certificate: The Notary applies an official seal, stamp, or signature, certifying the document’s authenticity.
3. Post-Notarisation Steps
- For Use Within Australia: The document may be used in courts, financial institutions, or for other official purposes.
- For Use Overseas: If required, proceed with DFAT authentication or apostille, followed by any necessary consular legalisation.
Digital or Remote Notarisation in Australia
While some regions globally are adopting digital or remote notarisation, Australia’s acceptance of electronic notarisation is still limited and subject to legislative changes.
Cost of Notarisation
Notaries typically charge fees based on:
- Document Complexity: Affidavits, powers of attorney, or large document packages may incur higher fees.
- Number of Documents: More documents usually mean additional costs.
- Additional Services: Such as certification, bound exhibits, or travel fees if the Notary comes to you.
- DFAT or Consular Fees: Separate fees apply for apostille or authentication.
Please get in contact to request a cost estimate upfront to avoid surprises.
If your documents need to be legally recognised locally or internationally, contact us for an appointment.
We will guide you through the required steps, from initial verification to final sealing, and help you navigate subsequent processes like apostille or authentication.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Only Notaries Public—who are specifically appointed and authorised—can notarise documents in Australia.
Not all documents require notarisation. However, documents used internationally or in certain legal contexts often do, to ensure their legitimacy and acceptance.
The appointment itself is usually brief, often under 30 minutes if you’re well-prepared. However, if apostille, authentication, or consular legalisation is required, the overall timeframe can be longer.
Some Notaries may offer express services, but this may incur additional fees. For documents requiring an apostille or legalisation, speeding up government or consular processes can be more challenging.
In some cases, a Justice of the Peace (JP) or other authorised witness may suffice. However, for documents used overseas or in specific legal proceedings, a Notary Public is typically required.
Notaries may require an English translation by a NAATI-certified translator (or recognised equivalent) to confirm the document’s content before notarising.
Generally, notarisation in Australia still requires an in-person appearance. While some jurisdictions are exploring digital options, verify availability directly with your chosen Notary.
Peter Tobin
Director, Tobin Partners Pty Ltd, Lawyers & Notaries
Legal Practitioner | Notary Public | Hon. Consul for Norway (QLD)
Located on Brisbane’s north side, Peter Tobin operates a small specialist law firm, Tobin Partners, which is committed to assisting clients with solutions, not just advice.
John McLaughlin
Principal, MCL Notary Services (A division of McLaughlin & Associates)
Notary Public | Lawyer
John is a highly experienced Lawyer, operating his own firm for the past 28 years, serving the local community with a comprehensive range of legal services and specialising in Business, Property, Matrimonial and Estate Law.
- 18 Carol Ave, Springwood QLD 4127
- 4/12 Topaz Court, Paradise Point QLD 4216
- 07 3808 7777
- 0409 499 612
- john@mclaughlinlawyers.com.au
- McLaughlin & Associates