Understanding Notarial Services: When and Why You Need a Notary Public

​At Arthur Browne & Associates, we provide trusted notarial services through our experienced Notary Public, Raoul Giudes. If you're dealing with international documents—whether for business, travel, education, or legal reasons—it’s important to understand the role of a Notary Public, how their work differs from that of a Justice of the Peace, and when you might also need an apostille or consular legalisation.
 
What Is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a senior legal practitioner authorised to witness, certify, and verify documents for international use. Their signature and official seal are recognised under international law—particularly the Hague Apostille Convention—making their certifications legally valid in many foreign jurisdictions.

Raoul Giudes acts solely in this notarial capacity. This means his role is limited to verifying identity, witnessing signatures, and certifying documents. He does not provide legal advice about the content or legal implications of the documents being notarised. If you require legal advice, it’s important to seek that separately from a qualified lawyer.
 
What Can a Notary Public Do?
We can assist with a range of notarial services, including:
 
1. Witnessing Signatures
We confirm that the person signing a document has been properly identified and is signing voluntarily. Common examples include:
•           Powers of Attorney for use overseas
•           Affidavits and Statutory Declarations for foreign legal proceedings
 
2. Certifying Copies of Original Documents
We confirm that a photocopy matches the original, often required for:
•           Passports or ID cards
•           Educational certificates
•           Company records
 
3. Authenticating Documents
This involves verifying official seals, signatures, and the authority of individuals signing documents. It is often needed for use by foreign governments, courts, or embassies.
 
4. Notarising International Documents
We notarise documents required for a wide variety of overseas purposes, such as:
•           Marriage, birth, or death certificates
•           Educational transcripts and degrees
•           Overseas property or loan documents
•           Shipping or maritime documents
 
5. Certificates of Good Standing
We can prepare and notarise certificates confirming a company’s legal status in Australia—commonly needed for international banking or trade.
 
6. Assisting with Apostille and Legalisation
If your documents are going to a country that is part of the Hague Convention, we can help you obtain an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). If your destination country is not a signatory, we guide you through consular legalisation, which involves additional steps through DFAT and the relevant embassy.
 
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by DFAT that authenticates a public document for legal use in other Hague Convention countries.
An apostille confirms:
•           The document is genuine
•           The signature or seal is valid
•           The person signing was authorised to do so
Note: An apostille does not verify the content of the document—only its authenticity.
  
When is an apostille required?
You may need one for:
•           Personal documents being sent overseas
•           Foreign visa, marriage, or citizenship applications
•           International legal or financial transactions
If the receiving country is not part of the Hague Convention, consular legalisation is typically required instead.
JP vs Notary Public: What's the Difference?
A JP is suitable for local matters, but when your documents are headed overseas, a Notary Public is the professional you need.
 
Important Disclaimer About Notarial Services
When using Raoul Giudes for notarial or apostille services:
•           He is not providing legal advice.
•           He does not assess the content or legal impact of your documents.
•       If you need legal advice or have questions about foreign law or document requirements in another country, you should obtain independent legal advice.
Our notarial services are limited to verifying identity, certifying documents, and assisting with the apostille or legalisation process. Once this is complete, our involvement ends.

​Book Your Notarial Appointment
For fast, professional notarial services in Townsville and surrounds, contact Raoul Giudes at Arthur Browne & Associates today. We’re here to help you ensure your documents are valid and ready for use overseas.