Coolum Notary Offices
Coolum Beach
Queensland, 4573
Opening hours
Mon - Fri
8:00 - 17:00
Contact
notary@coolumnotary.com.au
+61 429 553 176
A Queensland Notary, also known as a Notary Public, is a practising solicitor appointed by an English Archbishop. This appointment grants them the authority to sign and witness documents for use both within Australia and internationally. To become a Notary, a solicitor must have at least 10 years of legal practice and undergo a rigorous application process.
The Notary Public is a trusted position whose acts are recognised in legal systems worldwide. While Justices of the Peace (JPs) can witness documents such as statutory declarations and affidavits, and certify copies for use within Australia, a Notary Public provides these services for documents intended for overseas use and has the specialised authority to authenticate and legalise documents for international purposes.
When a Notary Public signs a document, they affix their official seal and stamp, making it a legally recognised instrument. Depending on the requirements of the destination country, the document may need further authentication by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or legalisation by foreign embassies. For many jurisdictions, particularly those party to the Hague Apostille Convention, the notarial seal itself is sufficient for international recognition.
In addition to witnessing documents, a Notary can also administer oaths and verify the identity of individuals signing legal documents. This ensures that the signatories' identities are confirmed to a standard recognised by courts, enhancing the document’s legal enforceability and authenticity in an international context.
ABOUT US
Notarial Services Recognised by DFAT and Foreign Embassies
Pacific Maritime Lawyers is a Queensland-based law firm specialising in maritime law, commercial dispute resolution, and international arbitration. Under the shared leadership of Director Ryan (Riaan) Norval, the firm delivers customised legal solutions to clients across the maritime, transport, and superyacht industries.
Ryan is dual-qualified as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa and a Solicitor in Queensland, Australia, bringing over two decades of cross-jurisdictional legal expertise. As an Advocate, he honed his litigation and appellate advocacy skills, appearing in a range of courts and tribunals across South Africa. In Queensland, Ryan has built a strong reputation advising on complex regulatory matters, maritime incidents, and commercial litigation.
Beyond his legal qualifications, Ryan’s hands-on experience in the maritime industry—serving as an Offshore Installation Manager (OIM), Barge Master, and QHSE Advisor—gives him unique insight into the operational and safety challenges faced by maritime professionals. This practical background, combined with his legal acumen, enables Pacific Maritime Lawyers to offer a pragmatic and strategic approach to resolving disputes and navigating regulatory frameworks.
With extensive expertise in international document certification and a deep understanding of the legal requirements across jurisdictions, our Notary Public services provide a seamless process for validating documents for use worldwide. Whether you need a simple notarisation or complex multi-step authentication, we ensure your documents meet the highest standards of legality and enforceability.
As one of Coolums's most seasoned legal practitioners, we possess the expertise to ensure that your notarial needs are addressed in accordance with international standards.
Service Features:
- Availability: Urgent services provided as needed.
- Professionalism: Extensive experience spanning several decades.
- Flexibility: Services offered in the broader Sunshine Coast region.
Professional Affiliations:
- Member of The Queensland Law Society
- Member of The Society of Notaries QLD Inc
- Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Notaries
- Member of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand
- Member of the Sunshine Coast Law Association
OUR SERVICES
Our Notarial Services Include:
Our notarial services ensure that your documents meet the stringent requirements for international recognition, providing you with the assurance of authenticity and legal enforceability. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and how we can assist with your domestic or cross-border documentation.
NOTARY PUBLIC
The notarization process may require multiple steps depending on the formality required by the end-user. In many cases, all three steps outlined below are necessary.
STEP ONE
Notarization
Notarisation is the first step in the process, confirming the authenticity of signatures, identities, and the content of your documents. Our Notary Public services include:
- Administering oaths and declarations.
- Witnessing statutory declarations, affidavits, powers of attorney, and other legal documents.
- Certifying true copies of original documents, including academic qualifications, company documents, and identification.
- Drafting notarial certificates for further legalisation.
- Preparing documents specific to international transactions, such as deeds, contracts, and letters of consent.
Purpose:
The primary goal of notarisation is to verify the signer’s identity using official identification documents such as a passport or driver’s licence, ensuring that the document is genuine and legally binding.
STEP TWO
Legalization ( Apostille and Authentication )
Following notarisation, most documents require further authentication by DFAT to confirm the Notary Public’s seal and signature:
- Apostille: For countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention, DFAT will issue an Apostille certificate, making the document legally acceptable in other member states.
- Authentication: For non-Hague Convention countries, DFAT provides an Authentication certificate, usually requiring further embassy or consulate legalisation.
STEP THREE
Embassy or Consulate Authentication
For non-Hague Convention countries, documents often need to be legalised at the relevant embassy or consulate after DFAT Authentication. This process involves obtaining an additional stamp or endorsement from the foreign mission.
Get in touch
with us
Coolum Beach
Sunshine Coast,
Queensland, 4573
+61 429 553 176
Note: All notarial services are provided by appointment only.
For urgent matters or to discuss specific notarial requirements, please contact us to arrange a consultation.