How Notarisation Can Save Family Businesses Going Global
Family-run businesses in the UK are increasingly taking bold steps toward international growth—whether opening overseas offices, signing distribution agreements, or acquiring property abroad. But amidst the excitement, one essential step often gets missed: proper notarisation of business documents. Foreign governments, banks, and commercial partners frequently require notarised and legalised documentation before recognising your authority to act abroad. Here’s how LM Notary Public helps family businesses protect their interests and expand with confidence. Why Does Notarisation Matter for International Business? When doing business internationally, UK-issued documents are often not recognised unless they’ve been authenticated by a notary public—and sometimes legalised by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or relevant embassy. This validation proves the genuineness of your business documents, such as: Board or shareholder resolutions Articles of Association or incorporation certificates Commercial contracts and loan agreements Powers of Attorney to act abroad Appointment of overseas representatives or agents Common Pitfall: Apostille vs Embassy Legalisation If you’re dealing with a Hague Convention country (e.g. France, Germany, India), an apostille stamp from the FCDO is often sufficient. For non-Hague countries (e.g. UAE, China), you may also need embassy or consular legalisation—another step we can help with. Client Story: East London Family Business Expands to the UAE We recently supported a small IT consultancy, run by two brothers in East London, who were opening a branch in Dubai. They needed several documents notarised and legalised, including: Company incorporation documents A Power of Attorney authorising their UAE manager A signed commercial agreement with a regional distributor LM Notary Public managed the entire process—from notarisation to embassy legalisation—saving them time, errors, and last-minute delays with UAE officials. Why Work With LM Notary Public? We specialise in helping family and small businesses navigate international legal requirements smoothly. Here’s what sets us apart: Same-day notarisation & weekend appointments Mobile visits across Greater London Multi-language support (including Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam) Decades of experience with over 80+ international jurisdictions Checklist: Are You Ready to Take Your Business Global? ✔️ Have you checked if your target country requires an apostille or embassy legalisation? ✔️ Do you have a Power of Attorney for someone acting abroad on your behalf? ✔️ Are your company documents certified and up-to-date? ✔️ Have you consulted a notary before submitting paperwork overseas? Let’s Simplify the Paperwork Going global doesn’t have to be complicated. At LM Notary Public, we make international expansion easier by ensuring your documents are properly notarised, legalised, and accepted worldwide. Contact us today for a free consultation or to book a mobile notary visit.
Do I Need a Notary or a Solicitor?
When navigating the often complex world of legal documentation, especially documents intended for use overseas, many people find themselves asking: Do I need to see a notary or a solicitor? While both are legal professionals in the UK, they serve distinctly different purposes. Understanding the difference between the two roles — and knowing which one is appropriate for your particular situation — can help you avoid unnecessary delays, extra costs, and even legal complications. In this post, we’ll explore what each professional does, how they differ, and when you should see a notary instead of a solicitor. ✅ What Is a Notary Public? A Notary Public (or simply, a notary) is a specially trained legal professional whose main role is to authenticate, certify, and verify legal documents — particularly for use outside the United Kingdom. Notaries are internationally recognised, and their certification is often a legal requirement in foreign jurisdictions. Some common duties include: Verifying the identity of individuals signing legal documents Witnessing signatures on powers of attorney and declarations Certifying copies of passports, degrees, and official certificates Preparing or notarising documents for international use Arranging legalisation services such as apostilles and consular stamps Notaries are highly regulated professionals governed by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and must comply with strict rules regarding conduct, insurance, and record-keeping. ⚖️ What Is a Solicitor? A Solicitor is a qualified legal practitioner in the UK who offers legal advice, drafts contracts and legal documents, and may represent clients in certain courts. Solicitors commonly work in areas such as: Property law (buying and selling homes) Family law (divorces, custody, etc.) Wills and probate Employment and contract disputes Solicitors can also certify documents for use within the UK. However, this type of certification is often not sufficient for use abroad. Foreign governments, courts, and institutions generally require the document to be notarised by a qualified Notary Public. 🔍 What’s the Main Difference? The main distinction lies in their scope and jurisdiction: Notaries are recognised internationally. They deal with documents intended for use abroad. Solicitors operate primarily within the UK legal system and focus on domestic matters. In England and Wales, many notaries are also qualified solicitors, but not all solicitors are notaries. Notarial work requires additional training and a separate professional qualification. ✍️ When Do You Need a Notary Instead of a Solicitor? You will likely need a notary if: You are signing a power of attorney for use abroad You need certified copies of documents for a foreign university, employer, or visa application You are buying or selling property in another country You are dealing with international inheritance or marriage matters You run a UK company that needs notarised documents for overseas operations On the other hand, if your legal matter is strictly within the UK (such as buying a house, writing a will, or resolving a local dispute), a solicitor will be the right professional to consult. 🧭 Why the Confusion? In England and Wales, all notaries are lawyers, but not all lawyers are notaries. This overlap can cause confusion for the public. It’s important to remember that if your documents are intended for use outside the UK, you should consult a Notary Public. Using the wrong professional can result in delays, rejected documents, and increased costs — particularly if the documents require further legalisation, such as an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 📌 Final Thoughts When it comes to legal documentation, understanding whether you need a notary or a solicitor is crucial. Making the right choice ensures your documents are accepted without issues by foreign authorities and institutions. At LM Notary Public, we specialise in notarial services for individuals and businesses across London and the UK. Whether you need a document notarised for personal, academic, or commercial use, our team offers fast, friendly, and expert assistance — including help with apostilles and consular legalisation where required. Still unsure what you need? We’re happy to guide you. Contact LM Notary Public today for personalised advice and efficient service.
The Human Stories at LM Notary: behind Every Signature
Introduction: Where Legal Meets Personal When people think of a Notary Public in London, they often imagine formalities—ID checks, legal terms, embossed seals. But what many don’t realise is that every document brought to our office carries something deeper: a personal story. At LM Notary Public, we don’t just notarise signatures. We witness moments of transformation, commitment, and courage. Whether it’s for a visa, a property abroad, or a family matter, we know that for our clients, these are not just legal steps—they are life steps. Documents That Tell a Story Behind the simplest paperwork lies something profound: A daughter bringing in her father’s birth certificate, notarised for use in India, so she can sponsor his visa and finally reunite after years apart. A couple preparing documents for a property sale in Italy, planning a fresh chapter in retirement. A carer helping an elderly woman arrange her Power of Attorney, a quiet act of dignity and foresight. Each appointment is an opportunity for us to listen, support, and reassure. It’s not uncommon for clients to walk in feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even emotional. That’s why we approach every case not just with legal accuracy—but with human empathy. Why the Human Touch Matters Our clients come from all walks of life—students, parents, professionals, migrants, retirees. Many are facing pivotal transitions, and often, English isn’t their first language. The notarial process can feel foreign, even intimidating. That’s why we go beyond formality. At LM Notary Public: We explain each step clearly, without jargon. We make time for your questions, no matter how small. We offer flexible appointments, because life rarely sticks to business hours. We provide document legalisation, apostille services, and guidance tailored to your needs—whether you’re dealing with India, UAE, Italy, or anywhere else. We don’t just notarise—we advocate, educate, and guide. The Power of One Signature There’s something beautiful about a signature. It’s both deeply personal and legally binding. It speaks of intent, trust, and responsibility. And yet, it only takes a few seconds to sign. We often reflect on how something so small—just a name on a page—can carry so much meaning. It can: Open the door to education or work abroad Enable care for an elderly parent Help close a difficult chapter, or begin a hopeful one As notaries in London, we feel honoured to stand beside our clients at these moments. We may be the final step in a long journey, but we know how important that step is. Real Care, Real People There’s no such thing as “just paperwork” when it’s tied to real people’s lives. Whether we’re legalising documents for a wedding overseas or certifying affidavits for an immigration case, we know these moments matter. And they deserve to be handled with care. Conclusion: More Than Just a Stamp At LM Notary Public, we offer professional, accurate, and efficient notarial services. But just as importantly, we offer a warm welcome, an understanding ear, and a sincere respect for the human stories behind every task. So whether you’re preparing a power of attorney, dealing with overseas property, or arranging apostille services, know this: you’re not just getting a stamp. You’re getting a partner who understands how much this matters to you. Ready to Begin? Let’s Talk. If you need a Notary Public in London who sees the person behind the paperwork, we’d love to help. Let’s take the next step—together.
A Client’s View of East London Notarial Services
Introduction In our increasingly global and document-dependent society, the role of a Notary Public has become indispensable. For individuals and businesses across East London, notarial services often serve as a bridge to international opportunity—whether through property transactions, visa applications, legal declarations, or corporate agreements. Yet for many clients, especially those engaging with multiple branches, accessing these essential services across various locations can present unexpected logistical and emotional challenges. In this blog post, we explore the complexities of managing notarial appointments across our three East London offices—from the perspective of those who matter most: our clients. The Geographical Challenge: East London While our offices in Stratford, Canary Wharf, and Ilford are strategically located to maximise accessibility, East London itself is vast and diverse. What may appear to be a short journey on the map can, in practice, involve significant travel time, traffic delays, or the need to coordinate around busy personal and professional schedules. Clients often find themselves needing to visit more than one location—sometimes to complete a multi-stage process, sometimes to meet urgent documentation needs. Navigating these branches within tight timeframes can add an unforeseen layer of complexity to an already sensitive or time-pressured matter. Procedural Consistency and the Client Experience Although all our notaries operate under the same legal standards, each office may naturally exhibit slight procedural differences—whether in document intake processes, appointment booking preferences, or administrative handling. For clients unfamiliar with these nuances, the experience can feel inconsistent or fragmented. Furthermore, when a client must repeat their personal circumstances or explain the purpose of their documents multiple times, the process becomes more than administrative—it becomes emotional. This is particularly true for individuals dealing with family law matters, international relocation, or legal obligations in countries where they have deep personal ties. Our Response: A Unified, Client-Focused Approach At the heart of our practice is a commitment to clarity, consistency, and compassion. We are continually working to ensure that every client—regardless of which office they visit—receives the same high standard of service and support. To that end, we are: Implementing a centralized scheduling system, allowing clients to book and manage appointments across all branches with ease. Standardizing documentation protocols, to reduce confusion and avoid repetition between offices. Enhancing inter-office communication, so that a client’s file travels with them—ensuring continuity from first consultation to final notarisation. Looking Ahead Our goal is not just to provide notarial services, but to do so in a way that respects your time, your privacy, and your peace of mind. By listening to client feedback and adapting our internal systems, we aim to deliver a seamless experience that reflects the trust placed in us. We understand the real-world demands our clients face. We see the strain of tight deadlines, international legal complexities, and deeply personal documentation needs. And we are here—not just to notarise, but to support. Share Your Experience Have you visited more than one of our offices? We would love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback helps us improve and ensures we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. Feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. Thank you for choosing our notarial services. We are proud to serve East London—and proud to serve you.