John Hughes
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

If you have a question about any of the services I offer, it might have already been answered. Take a look at my most frequently asked questions below.

Yes. Home visits can be arranged within South Warwickshire and Birmingham. Additional charges will apply.

You will need to bring your passport and proof of address, such as a bank statement or a utilities bill that is less than three months old.

Fees vary depending on the nature of the document(s). I can generally provide you with a quote based on what you tell me when you enquire. For reference, see the following approximate prices:

  • Certification of copy documents — £30 for the first document + £10 per subsequent copy
  • Power of attorney — £75
  • Consent to travel — £65 (or £95 if I am preparing the document from scratch)
  • Corporate documents — £125 (+ Foreign Office, Consulate, Agency and courier or special delivery costs)

There is no VAT on my fees. Please see my Terms of Business (LINK) for more information. Home visits are charged on an hourly rate of £200 + travel costs.

I accept payments via card, cheque, cash or bank transfer. I can invoice you but in cases where I need to make payments up front (e.g., Foreign Office fees), payment will be required before documents can be released.

A simple notarisation appointment usually takes no more than 15-30 minutes. If you need me to prepare a document in advance, such as a consent to travel, please send me the details ahead of time so I can prepare it in time for our meeting.

Foreign documents need to be notarised in order to be acceptable in the country of destination. A notary’s job is to verify the identity of the signatory and be satisfied that the documents are being signed voluntarily and that the signatory understands the document.

An “apostille” is a stamp that the Foreign Office puts on a document once it has been notarised. The Foreign Office verifies the identity of the notary who has notarised the document. This acts as an extra precaution for those receiving the document abroad, demonstrating the authenticity of the notary. Some documents also need to be legalised at the Consulate in the destination country. Documents destined for the Middle East usually require this additional step.

In the rare occasion that one of my clients has a complain, I do everything I can to resolve any issues as soon as possible. If this cannot be done, please refer to the Complaints Procedure (click here).

Yes. I arrange professional indemnity insurance through a reputable insurance company for the sum of £1m and fidelity insurance is also arranged through the Notaries Guarantee Society.

Contact John Hughes Notary Public

If you have a question that remains unanswered, get in touch today and I’ll do my best to help.
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