Notary Public
What is a Notary?
A notary public in South Africa is a specialised attorney appointed to authenticate and certify documents, administer oaths, and perform other official acts. Notaries play a crucial role in legal processes where formal verification and authenticity are required.
What Do Notaries Do?
Notaries act as impartial witnesses in legal proceedings, ensuring that documents are valid and trustworthy. Their services include drafting and certifying notarial deeds, witnessing signatures, and administering oaths for legal affidavits.
Notarial Deeds – Documents That Require Notarisation in South Africa
In South Africa, the following documents must be notarised by a qualified notary public:
-
Antenuptial contracts (ANC)
-
Cession of usufructs
-
Long-term leases exceeding 10 years
-
Notarial bonds over movable property
-
Servitudes such as rights of way
-
Ship protests for marine-related declarations
-
Notarial agreements concerning property transfers
-
Authentication of copies of documents for international use (such as marriage or birth certificates)
These notarised documents ensure legal standing and compliance with South African law.
Liezel Schultz (Goldman Schultz Notary)
Liezel Schultz, a partnered attorney at Goldman Schultz, brings extensive expertise in notarial services.
With her dedication and attention to detail, clients receive tailored solutions for their legal needs.
Liezel’s experience ensures that every document is prepared with the highest standard of accuracy and compliance.
Apostille and Authentication
Apostille and authentication are processes that make South African documents legally recognised in foreign countries.
Goldman Schultz assists clients in obtaining apostilles and having documents authenticated through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO).
This service is essential for anyone who needs to use South African documents abroad, such as marriage certificates, educational qualifications, or powers of attorney.
Why Choose Goldman Schultz?
At Goldman Schultz, we offer personalised notarial services that are precise and timely. Our team, led by Liezel Schultz, ensures that every document is prepared according to South African law and meets international standards when necessary. Clients can trust us for expert guidance on complex legal documents, fast processing of notarial deeds, and assistance with authentication and apostille services. With Goldman Schultz, you get dedicated attention from senior attorneys who prioritise your needs.
Contact us
Notary FAQ for South Africa
Who is a notary in South Africa?
A notary public in South Africa is an attorney who has passed a specialised notarial examination and is authorised to authenticate, attest, and prepare certain legal documents, ensuring they meet legal standards.
How much do notaries charge in South Africa?
Notary fees vary based on the service provided. Typical fees range between R350 and R1,500 depending on the complexity of the document and the notary’s rates.
What does notarial mean in law?
Notarial in law refers to acts or documents that are certified or authenticated by a notary public, giving them legal standing.
Is a conveyancer a notary?
Not all conveyancers are notaries. While both are attorneys, notaries require additional qualifications, including passing a notarial exam.
Is SAPS a public notary?
No, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is not a public notary. SAPS can certify copies of documents, but notarisation is a specialised function reserved for notary publics.
Can an advocate be a notary in South Africa?
No, advocates cannot be notaries. Only attorneys who pass the notarial examination can become notaries.
How do I get a document notarised in South Africa?
To notarise a document, you need to visit a notary public with the original document and any necessary identification. The notary will authenticate and certify the document.
Where can I certify documents in South Africa?
You can certify documents at SAPS, a commissioner of oaths, or a notary public, depending on the purpose of the certification.
What is a notary contract?
A notary contract is a legal agreement or document drafted and authenticated by a notary public, such as an ante-nuptial contract.
What is notarial process?
The notarial process involves a notary public drafting, witnessing, and certifying documents to ensure their authenticity and compliance with legal standards.
What is a notarial practice?
A notarial practice refers to the legal services and duties performed by a notary public, including document authentication, the drafting of notarial deeds, and the administration of oaths.
How much does it cost to attest documents in South Africa?
The cost to attest documents in South Africa can range from R350 to R1,500, depending on the type of document and the notary’s fees.
How do I notarise a TEFL certificate in South Africa?
To notarise a TEFL certificate, take the original and copies to a notary public, who will authenticate the document, often required for overseas job applications.