Professional Service

Answer: A Notary Public is a qualified lawyer appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury (unique to Queensland) to witness signatures, certify documents, and administer oaths. They ensure your documents are legally recognised, especially for international use.  

Answer: You need a notary to authenticate your identity and documents for official purposes, often for overseas use. Without proper notarisation, your documents might not be accepted, could be unenforceable, or may cause legal issues abroad.  

Answer: Our notary services include witnessing signatures, certifying copies of documents, preparing notarial certificates, administering oaths or declarations, and drafting documents like powers of attorney for use in Australia or overseas.  

Answer: Pending the requirements, it’s a simple one-step, two-step or three-step process:  

• Step 1: Notarisation - Bring your documents and ID (e.g., passport or driver’s licence) to us. We’ll verify your identity, witness your signature, or certify copies as needed.  
• Step 2 (if required): Legalisation - we can assist you with sending the notarised documents to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to add an apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or authentication (for others).  
• Step 3 (if required): Embassy Validation - For some countries, we’ll guide you on submitting documents to their embassy or consulate for final approval.

Answer: Almost any document can be notarised, including passports, birth certificates, contracts, powers of attorney, affidavits, and property or business agreements. If it needs to be legally recognised overseas, we can help!  

Answer: Yes, if the notary needs to witness your signature. Bring the unsigned document to your appointment, and we’ll watch you sign it after verifying your ID. For certified copies, signing isn’t required—just bring the original.  

Answer: You’ll need a current photo ID like a passport, driver’s licence, or national ID card. The name on your ID must match the name on the document. We may also ask for a utility bill to confirm your address, if needed.  

Answer: The notarisation itself usually takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the document. Legalisation or embassy steps may take extra time (a few days to weeks), but we’ll let you know what to expect.  

Answer: An apostille is a certificate from DFAT that makes your document valid in countries signed up to the Hague Convention (e.g. UK, USA). Authentication is for non-Hague countries (e.g. China), often requiring additional embassy approval. We’ll advise which you need.  

Answer: No, it depends on where the document is going. Some countries only need notarisation, while others require DFAT and/or embassy steps. Tell us the destination, and we’ll guide you.  

Answer: Fees vary based on the quantity of documents which require notarising and the service —e.g., witnessing a signature, or certifying copies. We would need to see the documents and discuss with you to finalise a quote. Additional costs apply for DFAT (~$100 per document) or embassy services.

Answer: Yes, we can advise you on the process and, in some cases, arrange it for you. Fees and timelines depend on the country, so let us know where your document is headed.  

Answer: No, Queensland law requires physical (paper) documents for notarisation. You’ll need to print your document and bring it to us. Digital notarisation isn’t available yet.  

Answer: We can still notarise it if you understand its contents and confirm you’re signing willingly. Our certificate will note the language, but we don’t translate—check with the receiving country if a translation is needed.  

Answer: No, a notarised document doesn’t expire as long as the notary was authorised at the time of signing. However, some countries or institutions might require recent notarisation—check with them.  

Answer: We offer mobile services for an extra fee, or you can appoint someone to bring documents for certification (not signing). Contact us to discuss options.  

Answer: Call us at 0450 925 529 or email steve@smlaw.com.au to schedule a time. 

Answer: No, JPs can witness signatures or certify copies for use in Australia, but only a Notary Public can prepare documents for international use. For overseas matters, you need a notary.  

Answer: Yes, our notaries are qualified Queensland lawyers with years of experience in international document authentication. You’re in safe hands!  

Answer: If your document is for overseas use-like studying abroad, buying property, or legal proceedings—a notary is likely required. We recommend you speak with the Country the documents are intended for to specify their requirements.

Answer: Yes, we offer same-day or urgent services when possible. Let us know your deadline, and we’ll do our best to help. Extra fees may apply.  

Answer: Our office is at Mermaid Waters, conveniently located on the Gold Coast. Check our Contact Us page for a map and directions.