Ross Andrew Lee
Official Website
Phone
+ 61 7 5518 7777
Appointments
Monday – Friday:
9 am – 12 noon
Conveniently Located in Southport CBD
We are Here to Help You
Many of our clients have not had documents notarised before. This website and our experienced staff are here to help.
To start, please read the instructions of what the recipient wants. For example, does the recipient want the notarised documents Apostilled or legalised by an Embassy / Consulate?
Secondly, please review our website information carefully. The most common questions are answered on this page. For more information, browse our Services page.
Finally, just call or email us. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to take you through the procedure.
Taking Oaths and Declarations
Witnessing unsworn Documents
Verification of Copy Documents
Notarial Certificates
Drawing Up Documents
Pre-Notarisation
Before attending our office, most clients have the documents drawn up by a notary, lawyer or institution in the destination country. This ensures documents are regular and in proper form.
However some documents can and should be drawn up by our notary public.
Step 2: DFAT Apostille or Authentication
The second step is essentially DFAT confirming that our notary is a properly commissioned one and that the work was done correctly.
Legalistation for Hague convention signatory countries is by Apostille. For the other countries, it is by Authentication.
Step 1: Notarisation
Our notary’s work is to authenticate you by reference to ID, to examine, authenticate and notarise the documents.
Further steps are usually (but not always) required by the recipient. Strictly speaking, they should always be done. We can help you with this procedure.
Step 3: Authentication by Embassy or Consulate
Usually, non Hague Convention signatory countries require a third step of its Embassy or Consulate further authenticating the documents.
This is basically confirming that Step 1 Notarisation and/or Step 2 DFAT procedure was done properly.
Gold Coast’s best Notary Public Service
Excellent client service comes standard. We have a full-functioning law firm supporting our notary public practice. This means the job is done right, first time.
We provide peace of mind. Instructions from overseas are not always clear. Should any problems come up, we have powerful support to fix them immediately.
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Notary Public Gold Coast Established
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Official Website
Notary Public Gold Coast
Beware of imposters. Our notary is the authentic member of the Society of Notaries of Queensland and registered owner of the name “Notary Public Gold Coast”.
Personal Documents
We notarise many personal documents such as: birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and passports.
Business Documents
Business notarisations include: general powers of attorney, company statements, bank applications and / or government forms.
Academic Documents
Many countries require school, college or university qualifications / academic transcripts to be authenticated and notarised, for a person to work there.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Aus)
Help with DFAT procedure
After notary work, most of our clients are happy to deal with Apostille or Authentications by DFAT themselves.
Book an appointment with DFAT Brisbane, or send documents by express post to the DFAT Melbourne legalisation centre.
However, it can be complex and we are more than happy to take care of all the procedure for you.
Fees will of course depend on the nature and complexity of the work. Just ask about our full DFAT service.
Apostille
Foreign governments sometimes need proof the signatures of Australian officials on documents are genuine before they can be accepted. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), through the Australian Passport Office in your capital city will certify that a signature, stamp or seal on an official Australian public document is genuine by checking it against a specimen held on file, and print or attach a certificate in the form of an ‘authentication’ or an ‘apostille’ stating certain facts. The authentication or apostille is then signed by DFAT staff and sealed with a wet and a dry seal.
Authentications
Foreign governments sometimes need proof the signatures of Australian officials on documents are genuine before they can be accepted. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), through the Australian Passport Office in your capital city will certify that a signature, stamp or seal on an official Australian public document is genuine by checking it against a specimen held on file, and print or attach a certificate in the form of an ‘authentication’ or an ‘apostille’ stating certain facts. The authentication or apostille is then signed by DFAT staff and sealed with a wet and a dry seal.
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage
DFAT cannot provide advice regarding other countries’ specific requirements in order for a marriage to be legal in a particular country. For details of marriage requirements you should contact the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of the country in which you would like to marry for their advice. Refer to Smartraveller for further information regarding Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage including application forms.
Passports
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues passports to be used as evidence of identity and citizenship by Australians travelling internationally.
Lodge your passport application at Australia Post. This includes applications for which priority service is requested.
In an emergency you may lodge your application at a Passport Office, but you must first obtain an appointment by calling APIS on 131 232. You will be asked to provide evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances that warrant urgent passport issue.
For further information, visit the Passports website. If you need assistance, contact the Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232.
RELY ON OUR EXPERIENCE
Reputation counts
Reputation is our currency.
We will help you ‘measure twice and cut once’.
And if there are any misunderstandings, which can occur with complex, overseas dealings, we will sort them out. No problems.
Call For a Fee Estimate
For most work, we charge on a per red seal basis. Call us for an estimate.
We are happy to offer discounts for large jobs and/or repeat business.
Our notary fees cover all the support services of a fully-functioning law firm. This can be very important in many matters.
Service Areas
We Serve The Entire Gold Coast
Our office is conveniently located at Southport Central.
Onsite car parking, tram and bus stops are all in walking distance to our premises.
“I have and I will continue to source legal consultancy through this fine firm.
I have been genuinely delighted with the professionalism and compassion of this firm however where they really shine is in the knowledge of their craft. I am most pleased to give this fine business 5 delicious stars.”
—Ren Finlayson, Finlayson IT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Common Questions
What’s the difference between a Notary and a Justice of the Peace (JP)?
A Queensland JP can certify and attest documents for this State, or by recognition statutes, other parts of Australia.
A Notary is required to certify and attest documents for use around the world, as authorised legal officer under the Hague Apostille Convention and other international law.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes.
We prefer appointments between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon.
Do I need to prove my identity to you?
Yes, you do need to prove identity (ID) to us, by photo ID.
This is usually by producing your passport, national ID card or Australian drivers licence for our inspection.
Secondary ID includes your birth certificate, Centrelink or Medicare card.
Do I also need a notary certified copy of identification?
For simple matters – usually yes. For formal Apostille / Authentications – always yes.
As much as you need to prove identity (ID) to us, formal proof is likely required by the recipient of your documents. If in doubt, ask a notary or lawyer in the destination country about what is needed.
Proof of ID is generally a notary-certified copy of your passport, national ID card or drivers licence. If the document to be notarised mentions an ID number, that is the one we need to see.
DFAT Legalisation
Either DFAT Apostille or DFAT Authentication, depending on whether the country is signatory to the Convention or not.
DFAT Apostille
As a general rule, countries that are party to the 1961 Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents require an apostille on documents that qualify as Australian public documents.
A full list of countries that are party to this convention can be found at the Hague Conference on Private International Law website.
DFAT Authentication
As a general rule, documents going to countries that are not party to the Hague Convention require an authentication.
It is important to confirm the requirements with the foreign receiving authority as some countries impose specific requirements on how an authentication should be prepared.
Can you arrange for the documents to be sent to DFAT for Apostille?
We are happy to do so, but it may be quicker and cheaper for clients to make those arrangements themselves.
It can be done either in person at DFAT Brisbane or by post to the DFAT processing centre, Melbourne.
What’s the difference between a Notary and a Solicitor / Lawyer?
It depends on the country, given the notarial branch of the legal profession is probably the oldest.
In Australia and other common law countries the role of Notary bears similarities to both solicitor and JP, generally in regard to international certification and attestation but also in authentication and/or drawing up documents.
In civil law countries the notarial role is more domestic and inquisitorial in nature. For example, both buyer and seller will require the same notary to transact a land conveyance.
Do you draft up documents to be used overseas?
Sometimes for simple work but not for complex work (such as a power of attorney), as this should be done by a notary or lawyer with knowledge of both law and procedure for the country in which the documents are to be used. It is best the notary or lawyer is in the destination country.
Once made, we can notarise the documents.
Can you advise me on how these documents should be used overseas?
We do advise on the notarial work but you should get assistance from a notary or lawyer in the destination country about what is required there.
Unfortunately, with so many nations around the world we could never know the law and current procedure for everywhere.
How much are your fees – simple matters?
For simple matters our fees are $100 for the first document and $50 per document thereafter plus GST.
Remember a certified copy of ID is usually required too.
How much are your fees – for formal Apostille / Authentications?
For notarial certificates (for use with Apostille or Authentication) it is $100 for the certificate, $50 for certified copy of ID and $50 per document thereafter plus GST.
What if I have a large bundle of documents?
For large volume matters, we are happy to agree a reasonable, fixed fee.
Notarial Certified Copy
Usually this means the recipient just wants the notary to make a certified copy of a document, not actually verify its contents or ‘authenticity’.
About
Notaries Public
The office of notary public can be traced back to the ancient Roman Empire, where a prominent but impartial public official was entrusted with the duty of providing legal assistance, authenticating documents and keeping official archives.
The downfall of the Roman Empire saw the development of the Catholic Church. Given its administrative nature, many clergy found it convenient to attain the public office of notary. Consequently the Vatican became responsible for the appointment of notaries.
The Renaissance witnessed the development of two distinct legal systems in Europe, the Civil Law system based upon Roman law and the Common Law system based on English law. The Civil law notary continued to be a recognised public official, performing many of the same services of the common law lawyer, with the exception of court appearances.
About
Queensland Notaries
Queensland notaries are commissioned under the English system.
England did not develop the profession of notary to the extent of its civil law counterpart. During the 13th century the Pope granted the Archbishop of Canterbury the right to appoint notaries. As international trade developed, the services of the notary became confined to documentation for international commerce. A Court of Faculties, under the guidance of the Archbishop of Canterbury was established and given the responsibility for the appointment of notaries. That responsibility continues today.
There has never been any attempt to codify the precise nature of the office of notary public and today appointment remains with the Court of Faculties in England.
About
Foreign Notaries
Notaries are professional lawyers and public officials appointed by the State to confer authenticity on legal deeds and contracts contained in documents drafted by them and to advise persons who call upon their services. Notarial services encompass all judicial activities in non-contentious matters, affording legal certainty to clients, thus averting disputes and litigation.
The national law determines each Notary’s field of competence and the number of Notaries sufficient to properly discharge their duties, thereby ensuring their fair distribution throughout the country. Notaries must be members of a collegiate body. A single organisation consisting exclusively of Notaries represents the whole body of Notaries in every country. The law in each State determines the qualifications needed and the conditions governing access to the profession of Notary, establishing the examinations, tests and training periods deemed necessary.
Get In Touch
Get a Free Estimate or Book an Appointment
+61 7 5518 7777
1506 Level 5
Southport Central One
56 Scarborough Street
Southport QLD 4215
AUSTRALIA