The Benefits of Hiring a Notary Before Moving Abroad

As you prepare for an international relocation, there are many administrative tasks that need to be completed to officially move overseas. One important step is to work with a notary to get your documents notarised before you go. Using the services of an experienced notary can make your move much smoother. Read on to learn about the key benefits of notarising documents with a notary before moving abroad.

Establishing Legal Authorisation

One of the most valuable services a Cheltenham Notary or any other certified notary can provide is notarising documents before moving abroad. When notaries notarise a document, they formally verify and certify that the document is legitimate and that the signatures on it are authentic. Common documents that people get notarised before moving abroad include:

• Powers of attorney – To legally authorise someone to handle matters on your behalf in your home country while you are gone. Having a power of attorney notarised ensures it will be accepted as valid.
• Affidavits – Written sworn statements that have been notarised can be used as legal proof for various purposes.
• Copies of original documents – Getting copies of documents like passports, birth certificates, and marriage licenses notarised proves that they match the originals.
• Financial documents – Banks may require having documents like deeds, loans and account statements notarised.

Having these documents notarised provides peace of mind that your important paperwork will be recognised as legitimate in your new country. Moving abroad without notarised paperwork can cause delays and complications when immigrating. However, there is a fee for this service. Notary service fees vary across the UK, but the cost of hiring a notary is usually low.

Simplifying Financial Affairs

Notaries simplify sorting finances when moving abroad by witnessing signatures on financial documents to prove authenticity. This includes:

• Bank documents – Opening, closing or transferring bank accounts often requires notarised paperwork for banks to accept them.
• Real estate documents – Notaries must witness sales contracts and deeds when selling property before moving. For property you keep, notarising rental agreements and mortgage refinancing forms adds legal protection.
• Insurance documents – Cancelling or transferring insurance policies internationally may require notarised documents as proof. The same applies when taking out new property or health insurance overseas.
• Pensions – Notarising pension-related documents keeps retirement funds safe when moving abroad. Notaries can also help transfer pensions internationally.

Getting your finances in order with notarised paperwork can prevent legal issues from cropping up later on.

Preventing Identity Theft

Notarising documents before moving also helps prevent identity theft. If passports, birth certificates or other identity documents are lost or stolen, having notarised copies makes replacing them easier. The copies legally verify your ID until the replacements are issued.

Moving internationally involves many logistical details. Don’t underestimate the importance of working with a notary beforehand. Taking the time to properly notarise your documents provides peace of mind that your paperwork will be legally recognised in your new country. Now all that’s left to do is to get packing!