Introduction
Law offices offer various services to their clients, covering a wide range of legal needs. They can legally represent individuals in civil litigation, criminal defense, estate planning, and more. In some cases, they also provide advice and assistance in drafting legal documents, such as agreements and contracts, tailored to your specific requirements.
However, one of the most common examples of legal solutions offered by many law offices remains to be notarial services. Lawyers who provide such services are called notaries public, and the government authorizes them to stamp and validate legal documents.
If you are looking for a trusted notarial services provider in the Philippines, Yap, Kung, Ching & Associates Law Office has you covered. Read through the rest of this page to learn more about notarial services in general.
Notarial Services in the Philippines: A Quick Overview
You might wonder, “What happens when you visit a certified notary public in the Philippines?” Here is a summary of the services they provide and their processes:
What Are Notarial Services?
Notarial services in the Philippines refer to official and legal acts performed by notaries public to authenticate documents and administer oaths or affirmations. These services are crucial for validating the legitimacy of certain documents, such as contracts, deeds, affidavits, and wills, among others.
The purpose of notarial services is to deter fraud and ensure the integrity of documents. They also provide legal certainty to two or parties involved in financial transactions, legal proceedings, and other activities that emphasize document legitimacy above all else.
Who Provides Notarial Services?
Notarial services are provided by notaries public. They are lawyers or legal practitioners certified by the government authorities to perform notarial acts. In many cases, they have their own private office, but you can also find them in government buildings and other similar institutions.
Not just anyone can become a certified notary public. First, you must become a lawyer, graduate from a recognized law school, pass the bar, and take your oath. You must also be qualified based on the requirements of the Supreme Court, highlighted in Section 1, Rule III of the so-called 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
The Notarization Process
When notarizing a document, a notary public will not simply affix their signature and stamp their seal on the paper. It is a sensitive process that typically involves:
- Scheduling of Appointment – You must schedule an appointment with a notary public first. There are instances when they accept walk-in clients, but setting an appointment with them is always better.
- Reviewing of Documents – You and the other party should show up on the scheduled date and bring the documents to be notarized. The notary public will take some time to read and review the papers before proceeding to the next step.
- Witnessing the Signing Process – Once the document is reviewed, you and the other party will have to sign it. The notary public will act as the witness.
- Stamping the Seal – After the signing, the notary public will affix their signature on the document before stamping it with their seal.
- Paying the Fees – The amount to be paid depends on many factors, including the complexity and nature of the document being reviewed. Once you are done paying, you will be issued a receipt.
Examples of Documents That Need To Be Notarized
There are quite a lot of documents that can and should be notarized in the Philippines. A few common examples are:
Legal Documents
In a nutshell, legal documents are records of mutual agreements between two or more parties, and they always involve legally enforceable acts. They are a more formal form of oral or verbal promises, and a few common examples are:
- Affidavits – These are written statements made under oath or affirmation, typically used as evidence in legal proceedings. They are sworn statements made voluntarily by a person and need to be notarized to add a layer of authenticity to the document.
- Wills and Testaments – Wills and testaments outline a person’s wishes regarding the distribution of their properties and assets upon death. They are often stamped by a notary public and executed by a lawyer.
- Powers of Attorney – Powers of attorney grant you (the attorney-in-fact) the authority to represent another person (the principal). This document allows you to make legal and financial decisions on behalf of the principal.
Business-Related Documents
Business-related documents pertain to commercial transactions between two or more businesses. They are essential for establishing partnerships, formalizing agreements, and other related activities.
Some of them do not need to be notarized, but here are a few examples of documents that need the seal of a notary public:
- Business Contracts – Contracts between two businesses or individuals (such as sales contracts, employment contracts, and lease contracts) must be notarized. The process allows a notary public to verify the individuals and their signatures and help enforce contract details.
- Partnership Agreements – These documents outline the responsibilities and arrangements agreed upon by two or more business entities. Notarization adds a layer of authenticity to the document, as well as to the signatures affixed to it.
- NDAs – Non-disclosure agreements protect sensitive information shared between two or more parties. They typically do not require notarization, but having them reviewed and stamped by a notary public improves the enforceability of the terms being outlined by the document.
Financial Documents
Financial documents refer to records of financial matters, and they typically include documents regarding assets, expenses, and other financial transactions. They are crucial for financial planning, reporting, and decision-making in any business, so having them notarized is sometimes essential to serve as proof of authenticity and prevent fraud. Common examples of financial documents are:
- Loan Agreements – Loan agreements outline the terms and conditions of a loan between a borrower and a lender. They sometimes require notarization to confirm the parties’ agreements regarding repayment schedules, interest rates, and collateral terms.
- Lease Agreements – You create a lease agreement when you lend someone equipment, real estate, or other kinds of physical property. These documents may require notarization to confirm that all involved parties are fine with the terms outlined in the document.
- Promissory Notes – Promissory notes serve as written promises that individuals will pay their debt within specified terms. They are signed by both parties involved and need not be notarized. However, notarizing them is beneficial if you wish to authenticate the signatures affixed to the document.
Finding a Notarial Services Provider in the Philippines
How can you find a law office that provides notary services in the Philippines? Well, here are a few tips to help you:
Visit Notary Public Offices Near You
The first thing you need to do is find a notary public office near you. If you are in Metro Manila, you can visit us here at YKC Law Office. We are located in Makati City and are easily accessible to the public.
Check Their Specializations and Certifications
Upon finding a notary public, the next step is to ask if they can notarize the document you have with you. Notaries public typically have specializations, so be sure to ask what their areas of expertise are.
YKC Law Office can notarize different kinds of documents. We have certifications to prove our legitimacy as a notarial service provider in the Philippines.
Ask How Much They Charge for the Service
You can also ask how much they charge for their services. Notarization fees are affected by many factors, including the type of document to be notarized and the experience of the notary public.
Asking about their pricing structure is essential to budget your finances well. If you think they are charging beyond your capacity to pay, there is no harm in looking for another notary public somewhere else.
FAQs About Notarial Services Providers in the Philippines
How Much Do Notarial Services Cost in the Philippines?
The cost of notarial services in the Philippines is typically based on the rates regulated and set by the government authorities. However, the fees may vary depending on the type of document being notarized and the complexity of the notarial act. This is why you need to ask the notary public how much they charge for their services before proceeding.
Are Witnesses Always Required When Getting Documents Notarized?
Some documents may require witnesses to attest to the identities of the signing parties. However, witnesses are optional when notarizing certain documents. This typically happens when the notary public can verify the identities of the signatories through IDs and other related documents.
How Long Do Notarized Documents Stay Valid?
Notarized documents in the Philippines typically do not have an expiration date. However, in many cases, they are only valid within a specific jurisdiction, like the city or municipality where the notarization occurred.
YKC Law: Your Trusted Notarial Services Provider in the Philippines
If you are looking for a trusted provider of notary services in the Philippines, visit us at YKC Law Office today! We have notaries public who are adept at reviewing different kinds of documents to help you ensure their legality and authenticity. Contact us today!
