It is usually assumed that notary attestation and notarisation are the same thing and involve the same procedure. However, this is not necessarily the case.
Each of these services apply different procedures and outcomes.
Visatec Legal provides years of high quality, efficient and trustworthy notary public services, including notarisation and attestation.
Here is all you need to know about the differences between both of these services.
Attestation
Notary attestation is where a person is not directly involved in a transaction. A third party comes into play and ‘attests’ or witnesses both parties sign a document. Additionally, after witnessing the signing of the document, the third party must then sign a statement that he or she saw the two parties sign the document, as well as verifying the content included in the document.
It is usually when there is a high-value transaction that an attestation is needed.
In situations where there is a need for a partnership visa application between two individuals, there is a need for witnesses to note down their observations of the couple and prove the relationship as legitimate.
It is in these instances that a third party witness is needed to observe and attest by signing a document that proves that they witnessed the couple together and approves for a valid partnership visa.
Whereas, notarisation comes into play with other documents that require a signature from a legal notary public.
Notarisation
Notarisation is completed by a notary public, this is where each party are assured that the document they are signing is authentic and proven legitimate for use externally.
Notarisation is aimed to secure documentation and prove it legitimate as well as ensuring that each signer is authentic and in agreeance.
In addition, notarisation involves other steps that attestation doesn’t, like taking into consideration whether any of the parties seem stressed, unsure or under duress. As well as determining whether each party is in the right frame of mind mentally to commit to signing an authentic document.
Similarly to attestation, notarisation also involves many high value transactions.
However, notarisation involves a variety of other documents including: transfer of real estate and vehicle titles.
However, a notary public also goes through additional processes when committing notarisation and these involve:
- Keeping all the details of every notarisation in official journals to refer back to if need to be
- Complete certificates that contain all of the facts, signatures and evidence and provide certification for use.
- Stamp and seal the notarised document to prove it completely authentic and valid for international use (if needed).
Although both attestation and notarisation require witnesses and signature proof, each of these procedures are for different purposes and have different outcomes.
In simpler terms, external third parties are required for appropriate attestation. Whereas, for any document that requires notarisation, an official notary public is needed to conduct the notarisation of the document.
If you would like to learn more about our notary public services in Melbourne, we are available to speak with you directly over the phone on: 1300 484 728 today.