What do I need to know?
What does it cost to notarise documents?
We will not charge for the initial consultation and following that meeting, our fees are calculated based on the amount of time spent notarising documents.
Typically, we will charge for:
- The time spent in meeting with a client
- Taking the initial instructions
- Giving preliminary advice
- Considering and notarising the documents
- Dealing with the Foreign Office or consulate
- Arranging a courier for special delivery of your documents
- Preparing formal records
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a qualified lawyer and is appointed by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury. There are about 800 Notaries working in the UK.
Should I sign documents prior to a meeting?
No. This can complicate matters further so do not sign documents until you’ve consulted Paul.
What is acceptable evidence of public records?
Only original certificates (as opposed to copies) are acceptable means of proof of public records such as birth, marriage and death.
Do I need to meet in-person?
Yes. An in-person meeting at the BPE office will be required.
Can you advise me beyond direct Notarial certification?
No. Our Notarial responsibility extends only to the Notarial formalities themselves. We will not give advice for the drafting or effect of any documents which we have not prepared.
Meet our Public Notary
Paul Engelbrecht
Latest news
Autoclenz transitions to employee ownership with support from BPE Solicitors
BPE Solicitors LLP is pleased to have advised Autoclenz Holdings Limited on its transition to employee ownership in a landmark deal.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
The UK is already considered to have some of the strongest equality legislation in Europe, and the Labour Government has signalled its intention to make further enhancements. This is in stark contrast to the approach of the United States administration, who have sought to abolish EDI programmes across federal government and have recommended that private sector companies do likewise.
Level 7 Apprenticeship Funding Restrictions
The Department for Education recently announced that from January 2026, apprenticeship levy funding for Level 7 (master’s level) apprenticeships will be restricted. The restrictions mean that only those individuals aged between 16 and 21 will receive new funding for the level 7 apprenticeships.
BNG - What's coming up and what does it mean?
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) introduced biodiversity net gain (BNG) as a way of ensuring that developers are environmentally minded when undertaking projects. The idea was to create a clear framework to ensure that new major infrastructure developments left biodiversity in a measurably better state than before the development took place, in alignment with the legally binding Environment Act 2021 targets for biodiversity.
BPE Celebrates Award Shortlisting
BPE Solicitors is delighted to announce that Partner Kathryn King, Head of our Corporate and Commercial team, has been shortlisted in the Emerging Dealmaker category of the Insider South West Dealmakers Awards 2025.
From protection to predation: the misuse of powers of attorney
Following reports of investigations into power of attorney abuse rising to 28% in the UK, Emily Rowan-Maxwell explains the potential areas of misuse and abuse in relation to powers of attorney, including the red flags to watch out for and how to safeguard against abuse.
BPE fund the 100th defibrillator in Cheltenham!
On 30th April, BPE ESG Committee members Rebecca Pike, Karmen Waldron and Alice Duffy met with Clare Tidal Training Direct Ltd , who created the Public Hearts Defibrillator Campaign 2018. In April 2025, Clare and the team celebrated the fantastic achievement of placing 100 defibrillators around the Gloucestershire area, with a particular focus on the heart of Cheltenham. With 35,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests in the UK every year, having a defibrillator nearby is essential and could save your life.
A concrete deal: Allstone acquires Monster Mix
BPE Solicitors are proud to announce they acted for construction aggregates firm Allstone on a multimillion-pound deal to acquire concrete suppliers, Monster Mix.
