What Is a Notary Public in Ireland?

A Notary Public is a qualified legal professional appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland to authenticate, witness, and certify legal documents for use both domestically and internationally. Unlike solicitors or barristers, our primary role as notaries is to verify the authenticity of signatures, documents, and identities, ensuring that legal instruments can be recognised in foreign jurisdictions.

A notary public in Dublin acts as an independent and impartial witness, confirming the legality and validity of documents such as affidavits, statutory declarations, powers of attorney, and property transactions abroad. Our seal and signature carry international recognition, making our services indispensable for cross-border business and personal affairs.

Who Appoints a Notary Public in Ireland?

In Ireland, Notaries Public are appointed by the Chief Justice, following a rigorous qualification process. Applicants are typically experienced solicitors or barristers who demonstrate a deep understanding of Irish and international law. Once appointed, we operate under the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland, which regulates and maintains professional standards nationwide.

This appointment grants us the authority to perform official acts that ensure the authenticity of documents intended for use abroad—often requiring apostille or consular legalisation for countries outside the EU.

Understanding the Role of a Commissioner for Oaths

A Commissioner for Oaths is authorised to administer oaths, affirmations, and declarations for use within Ireland. This role is particularly important in legal proceedings, where a sworn statement must be validated before submission to court or another official body.

While both Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths in Dublin authenticate documents, the distinction lies in the scope of recognition. A Commissioner for Oaths’ authority applies only within Ireland, whereas a Notary Public’s certification is recognised internationally.

Our Services as Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths in Dublin

At our Dublin practice, we offer a comprehensive range of notarial and oath services for individuals, businesses, and institutions. Our work covers both domestic and international documentation, ensuring full legal compliance and recognition across borders.

1. Notarisation of Documents for Use Abroad
Many countries require notarised documentation before recognising Irish legal papers. We ensure the authenticity of signatures, copies, and seals on various documents. Common examples include:

• Powers of attorney for overseas transactions
• Property sales and purchases abroad
• Affidavits and statutory declarations
• Company incorporation documents for international operations
• Educational certificates and diplomas for employment or study overseas

2. Authentication of Identity and Signatures
When signing official documents such as contracts or sworn statements, identity verification is essential. We ensure that all parties are properly identified and that their signatures are genuine and voluntary, maintaining the integrity of every transaction.

3. Certifying True Copies of Original Documents
We provide certified copies of passports, bank statements, utility bills, and academic records. These certified copies are often required for visa applications, overseas employment, or banking purposes.

4. Administering Oaths and Affirmations
As Commissioners for Oaths in Dublin, we administer sworn statements, affidavits, and statutory declarations for legal and personal use within Ireland. This includes documentation for court proceedings, property transactions, or official certifications.

5. Corporate and Business Notarial Services
For corporate clients, we offer certification of company documents, verification of directors’ identities, and authentication of board resolutions. These services are essential for companies engaging in cross-border trade, joint ventures, or international incorporation.

Who May Need the Services of a Notary Public

Whether you are an individual or a corporate entity, there are many circumstances where you may require our services as notaries public:

1. International Property Transactions
When buying or selling property abroad, documents often need to be notarised and legalised before being accepted by foreign authorities.

2. Emigration, Work, or Study Overseas
When relocating abroad, foreign governments and institutions often request notarised copies of educational qualifications, birth certificates, and identity documents.

3. Business Expansion or International Contracts
Businesses entering into agreements with overseas partners must often submit notarised corporate documents, ensuring authenticity and compliance with international standards.

4. Powers of Attorney
If you are granting authority to someone overseas to act on your behalf, a notarised power of attorney is required to ensure its legal validity outside Ireland.

5. Personal Legal Matters
From marriage abroad to inheritance claims, notarisation ensures that your documents are valid, recognised, and enforceable in foreign jurisdictions.

Our Notarisation Process
Our notarisation process is designed to ensure complete accuracy, transparency, and compliance with international legal standards:

Identity Verification – We request valid photographic ID and proof of address.
Document Review – We carefully review each document to ensure its legality and accuracy.
Signature Witnessing – All documents must be signed in our presence.
Certification and Sealing – We then apply our official stamp, signature, and seal to confirm authenticity.
Apostille or Legalisation (if required) – For use abroad, we advise on obtaining an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs or consular legalisation for countries outside the Hague Convention.

This process ensures that every document we notarise is legally valid and recognised internationally.

Why Choose Us for Notary Services in Dublin
With years of professional experience, we have built a strong reputation for excellence in providing notarial and oath services in Dublin. Our clients choose us because we offer:

• Prompt and convenient appointments
• Comprehensive guidance on document preparation and legalisation
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
• Strict confidentiality and professionalism
• Extensive experience in international document certification

The Importance of Using a Qualified Notary Public

Notarisation is not merely a formality—it is a legal safeguard that prevents fraud, misrepresentation, and document forgery. By using a qualified Notary Public, you ensure that your documents are accurate, verified, and internationally valid.

Failure to have documents properly notarised can result in delays, rejections, or legal complications. Our expertise ensures compliance with both Irish and international requirements, giving you complete confidence in your documentation.

Contact Us – Notary Public and Commissioners for Oaths, Dublin

If you require expert notarial or oath services, please contact us at the office of Hugh McGroddy. Based in Dublin, we serve clients throughout the city and surrounding counties, providing professional certification for personal, business, and international documentation.

Whether you need documents notarised for use abroad, an affidavit sworn, or certified copies prepared, we are here to help with efficiency, precision, and care.

However, anyone looking into power of attorney will understand how huge this area is, so there are specific questions we didn’t answer in the previous blog that continue to come up. Therefore, we’ve gathered more common power of attorney questions, and we’ve produced more answers. Don’t see an answer to your question? Check out our previous blog here.

How to register an enduring power of attorney in Ireland?

The registration of an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in Ireland has been significantly altered by the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, placing the Decision Support Service (DSS) at the forefront of the process. For EPAs created after 26 April 2023, registration with the DSS is mandatory for the EPA to take effect, and this is facilitated through their online portal, MyDSS, which requires verified accounts for both the donor and the attorney. The application process necessitates detailed information and notification of relevant individuals. Registering the completed EPA within three months of its creation is crucial. While EPAs made before this date follow a different registration path, seeking legal advice remains highly recommended to ensure the document's validity and accuracy, as the donor must possess the requisite mental capacity during execution. The DSS website, Citizens Information, and the Law Society of Ireland are valuable resources for comprehensive guidance.

When does power of attorney take effect?

The commencement of a Power of Attorney's validity in Ireland is contingent upon its type and, in the case of Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), its creation date. A standard Power of Attorney becomes effective immediately upon the donor's signature but terminates if the donor loses mental capacity. Conversely, an EPA, specifically those established before 26 April 2023, only becomes active upon the donor's loss of capacity and subsequent successful registration with the Wards of Court. For EPAs made on or after that date, the effective date is tied to the donor's capacity loss being recognised by the Decision Support Service (DSS) and the EPA being registered with the DSS. Therefore, registration with the DSS allows the EPA to come into effect. While a standard Power of Attorney is immediately active yet vulnerable to capacity loss, an EPA's activation is contingent upon the donor's incapacity and the completion of the necessary registration process, ensuring continued validity.

How do you get power of attorney for an elderly parent with dementia?

Obtaining Power of Attorney for an elderly parent with dementia in Ireland centres on the Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA), a legal tool enabling them to appoint a trusted individual to manage their affairs should they lose mental capacity. Crucially, the parent must possess this capacity during the EPA's creation. For EPAs established post-April 26, 2023, the Decision Support Service (DSS) is pivotal, necessitating registration through their online portal. Seeking legal counsel is strongly advised to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. The process involves a medical assessment of the parent's capacity, solicitor engagement, EPA document completion, and, if applicable, DSS registration. If the parent lacks an existing EPA and has already lost capacity, an application to the Wards of Court becomes necessary, a more intricate procedure. Early planning and utilising resources like the DSS website are essential for navigating this process effectively.

Therefore, to make some of this information more accessible, we've compiled some of the most common questions below. Please remember that this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be seen as an alternative to speaking to our experts or solicitors. 

How much does a solicitor charge for power of attorney?

There can be a variation in the cost of solicitors' fees for drafting, executing, and registering a power of attorney in Ireland. The price can range from €450 plus VAT to as much as €2000 plus VAT to set up an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA). Setting up an EPA for a couple typically won't cost double that of a single person.

Registration fees for an EPA can also vary. They can range anywhere between €800 and €2500 plus VAT.

How to get power of attorney in Ireland?

Making an Enduring Power of Attorney is a serious legal step. To ensure it's done correctly, consulting with a solicitor beforehand is highly recommended.

Here's what's involved:

Proof of Mental Capacity:  A doctor's confirmation is needed to show you understand what you're doing when creating the document.
Understanding the Power:  Your lawyer will explain the implications of creating this document and will sign a statement confirming you grasped this explanation.
Specifying Authority:  You'll need to outline the powers you're granting to your attorney.
Informing Others:  At least two people (Notice Parties) must be told about the Enduring Power of Attorney. One of these people should be a close relative (blood relative). If you have a spouse and they're not your attorney, they must still be informed as a Notice Party.

What happens if someone has dementia and no power of attorney?

In this situation, a court order becomes necessary to manage their finances and affairs. This process, called becoming a Ward of Court, can be costly and time-consuming.  An Enduring Power of Attorney avoids this hassle by giving you control over who manages your affairs if you can't make decisions yourself.

Can a power of attorney be revoked?

There are two main things to know:

• If your EPA is registered after April 26, 2023: You can cancel it (revoke) or make changes (vary) by contacting the Decision Support Service (DSS). However, this only works if no one has officially reported that you lack mental capacity.
• If your EPA is registered before April 26, 2023: Unfortunately, you can only cancel it through the High Court.

What you'll need to provide, regardless of the date:

• A statement confirming you understand the consequences of your decision (revoking or varying the EPA).
• A statement from a lawyer (solicitor or barrister) verifying you understand the implications and aren't being pressured.
• If you're varying the EPA, a statement from your attorney acknowledging the changes.

If you still have questions, please contact our offices today. 

Notary Public Dublin

In the bustling hub of Dublin, where business transactions, legal agreements, and official documents abound, the role of a Notary Public stands significant. Notaries Public play a crucial role in certifying and legalising documents, ensuring their authenticity and validity. Understanding their role and importance within Dublin's legal landscape is paramount for individuals and businesses seeking official authentication.

Notary Publics in Dublin can help with document verification and certification

Notaries Public in Dublin specialises in verifying and certifying documents, affirming their authenticity and legality. Whether it's witnessing signatures, authenticating deeds, or certifying copies of important documents, their seal and signatures ensure that documents are valid and legally binding.

Notary publics in Dublin can help with internal document legalisation

For individuals and businesses dealing with international matters, Notaries Public in Dublin facilitate document legalisation for use abroad. This process, often involving Apostille certificates or consular legalisation, ensures that documents are recognised and accepted in foreign jurisdictions, essential for various legal and business transactions.

Notary publics in Dublin can help with affidavits and statutory declarations

Notaries Public also assist in preparing and witnessing affidavits and statutory declarations. These sworn statements, made under oath and witnessed by a Notary Public, hold legal weight and are often required for various legal proceedings, transactions, or administrative purposes.

Notaries Public in Dublin are guardians of authenticity and legality, pivotal in certifying documents and facilitating international legal processes. Their expertise in document verification, international legalisation, and affidavits/statutory declarations ensures the smooth flow of legal and business affairs within Dublin's diverse landscape. For individuals and businesses seeking authentication and legalisation of documents, leveraging the services of a Notary Public is not just a procedural requirement but a crucial step in ensuring the validity and legality of their paperwork, both locally and on an international scale.

In this blog post, we, as your trusted legal partners, unravel the significance of apostilles and how they play a pivotal role in authenticating documents for international use.

Understanding Apostille

As a leading solicitor business, we understand the complexities that often accompany legal documentation, especially when they need to be recognized abroad. Enter the apostille—a unique certification that verifies the authenticity of documents issued in one country for use in another. We, at Hugh McGroddy, specialize in navigating this intricate process to ensure seamless international transactions for our clients.

Our Expertise in Apostille Services

Navigating the intricacies of legal processes requires expertise, and we take pride in our team's proficiency in handling apostille services. Whether you're dealing with business contracts, personal legal documents, or any other paperwork requiring international validation, we bring a wealth of experience to the table.

Tailored Solutions for Every Need

Recognizing that each legal case is unique, we offer tailored solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients. From obtaining apostilles for vital records to facilitating the authentication of corporate documents, we leverage our expertise to streamline the process, ensuring efficiency and accuracy every step of the way.

Global Connections, Local Expertise

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond borders. With a global network of connections and a deep understanding of local and international legal frameworks, we bridge the gap between jurisdictions. Our team ensures that your documents are not only apostilled but also meet the specific requirements of the destination country, saving you time and potential complications.

McGroddy, we understand the importance of clarity and precision, especially when it comes to legal documents such as affidavits. Join us as we delve into the world of affidavits in Ireland and explore how we, at Hugh McGroddy, are here to simplify and streamline the process for you.

 What is an Affidavit?

An affidavit is a written statement of facts that is confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the person making it, typically used as evidence in legal proceedings. In Ireland, affidavits play a significant role in various legal matters, from family law cases to property transactions.

How We Can Help You With Affidavits

1. Expertise: With years of legal expertise, our team at Hugh McGroddy is well-versed in the intricacies of creating and validating affidavits. We guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your affidavit is accurate, comprehensive, and legally sound.
2. Personalized Consultation: We understand that each legal situation is unique. Our personalized consultation services ensure that we fully comprehend your specific circumstances, allowing us to tailor the affidavit to meet your needs.
3. Accuracy and Detail: Crafting a precise and detailed affidavit is paramount. We meticulously gather and present the relevant information, leaving no room for ambiguity or misunderstanding.
4. Legal Compliance: Ireland has specific legal requirements regarding affidavits. We stay abreast of the latest legal developments to ensure that your affidavit complies with all necessary regulations.

Hugh McGroddy, a dedicated professional, is committed to serving the Dublin community as a Commissioner of Oaths, ensuring the authenticity and validity of sworn statements and affidavits.

What is a Commissioner of Oaths?

A Commissioner of Oaths is an individual authorized by the law to administer oaths or solemn affirmations on various legal documents. In Dublin, these professionals play a crucial role in the execution of affidavits, statutory declarations, and other sworn statements. The presence of a Commissioner of Oaths validates the accuracy and truthfulness of the statements made in these documents.

Hugh McGroddy Commissioner of Oaths in Dublin

Hugh McGroddy, a reputable figure in the legal community of Dublin, holds the esteemed position of a Commissioner of Oaths. With years of experience and unwavering dedication to uphold the principles of justice, Hugh ensures that all documentation requiring an oath or affirmation is handled with utmost professionalism and integrity.

As a Commissioner of Oaths, Hugh McGroddy diligently reviews legal documents, verifying the identity of the deponent, and ensuring that the contents of the affidavit or declaration are truthful and accurate. His role goes beyond merely witnessing signatures; he takes pride in assisting individuals and businesses in adhering to the legal requirements of Dublin.

Becoming a Commissioner of Oaths in Dublin is an honorable and vital role that upholds the pillars of justice and truthfulness in the legal system. Hugh McGroddy's commitment to serving as a trusted Commissioner of Oaths in Dublin reflects his dedication to the community and ensuring the integrity of legal documentation.

However, it can be a difficult concept to wrap your head around. As such, many people do not even consider it before it is too late.

The understanding and experienced team at Hugh McGroddy wants to help you understand this process and eventually take advantage of it. By reading our streamlined explanation, we hope to help you understand the concept of power of attorney.

What is the Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document where one person known as the “Donor" gives authority or powers to another person known as the “Donee" to conclude contracts in the absence of the Donor.

In ordnance with Irish law, Hugh McGroddy offers two variations on the Power of Attorney: the general Power of Attorney and Enduring Power of Attorney.

General Power of Attorney

This is a role granted to a donee that is valid unless the donor becomes mentally incapacitated. A Power of Attorney can be designated or limited to a specific purpose such as the purchase of property in the absence of the donor. It can be given in writing but no extra formalities are required.

Enduring Power of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a legal document executed by the Donor appointing a certain person or persons called "Attorney" to make medical & financial decisions for the benefit of the Donor in the event that they becomes mentally incapacitated.

If you’d like to learn more about availing of the power of attorney, contact Hugh McGroddy today.

Notaries in Antiquity

Due to being an office that stretches back into ancient history, we’ll probably never know when the first notary public came into office. However, one of the earliest references we have to a notary is from 43BC.
Cicero, one of ancient Rome’s most famous statesmen and orators was said to employ persons skilled in writing to record – or more accurately to note – his many speeches.
If we stay in Rome but fast forward a couple of hundred years to 800 AD, when the Christen Papacy was largely in control of Rome, we see further references to notaries. By this time, papal notaries were an intrinsic part of the papal household. These papal notaries oversaw both religious and civil matters. Thus notary publics were assigned by the Catholic Church. In England, around this time the archbishop of Canterbury had the power to create notaries.

Notaries in the middle Ages

In Ireland, it was the archbishop of Canterbury or the archbishop of Armagh that appointed Notaries and this continued largely unchanged until the reformation.
Post-reformation it was no longer just the Catholic Church that appointed notaries. Notaries were appointed by royal decree.

 Notaries in the 19th and 20th Century

Things stayed largely the same until 1871 when an amendment to the Matrimonial Causes and Marriage Law meant that notaries could be appointed by the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. This power of appointment was changed in 1920 were the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland could appoint Notaries. This again changed in 1924 when the power to appoint notaries was transferred to the Chief Justice of the Irish Free State.

Notaries appointment from the 1960s onward

Finally, in 1961, the power to appoint notaries in Ireland was transferred to the Chief Justice. This power remains with the Chief Justice to this day.

From the above, you can get an insight into how long notary publics have been around and their importance to civilised society. For more information on our services please see our Notary Public page or get in contact with our offices today.

Hugh has extensive experience in all areas of commercial property including acquisitions and disposals, property investment transactions, joint ventures, development agreements, property tax, planning and all aspects of property finance. Hugh has acted for financial institutions, property developers, corporate, and private clients.

As a Notary Public, Hugh can authenticate important documents, authorise power of attorney, take affidavits, and a host of other legal procedures.

Notary Public

A Notary is a public officer who serves the public in non-contentious matters usually concerned with deeds, estates, powers-of-attorney, and foreign and international business. A notary service is normally required when a client has documents that are going to be scrutinised abroad. 

When our notary seal is placed on a document it signifies to authorities that the relevant checks have been carried out to verify the authenticity of the documents.

As a Dublin Notary, Hugh McGroddy can provide assistance to clients throughout Dublin, regarding buying and selling property abroad, oversees contracts, maintaining business files in multiple locations, foreign court proceedings, and more.

Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a legal document where one person "the Donor" gives authority or powers to another person "the Donee" to make decisions for the donor in their absence. Hugh can act as your Attorney. The Attorney only has the ability to make decisions and outline in the document and these usually to business decisions and the power is withdrawn once the Doner returns. 

Hugh also provides an Enduring Power of Attorney which gives the ability for the attorney to make medical decisions should the Doner become mentally incapacitated. There are strict formalities surrounding the creation of an Enduring Power of Attorney and it will only come into effect if all of the necessary procedures have been followed correctly.

Commissioner for Oaths

Hugh McGroddy is authorised to act as a Commissioner for Oaths and is available to authorise affidavits, statutory declarations for court proceedings, and other legal documents.

The function of a Commissioner for Oaths is to ensure that all evidence is in written form (the affidavit), to establish that the necessary person has read the affidavit completely and understands the contents, and to ensure the person swears that the affidavit is true by raising their right hand and swearing an oath.

Hugh McGroddy is appointed as a Commissioner for Oaths for Life by Chief Justice of Ireland and has a wealth of experience regarding this aspect of the law.

General Power of Attorney

A General Power of Attorney lets you select someone to act for you while you have the capacity to manage your own affairs. The POA gives your chosen person the ability to make decisions on particular aspects of your financial matters, for example, the sale of a house, and is set up so that they can in this purpose only. This can be useful in many cases where you may have multiple business deals to take care of or are travelling for extended periods of time etc.

The POA lasts until you withdraw it. Power can be withdrawn from the Attorney at any time and if you become mentally incapable, declare bankruptcy, or enter into a marriage or civil partnership then it is automatically withdrawn.

Enduring Power of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney appoints one person, or multiple people, to handle your affairs in the event that you become mentally incapacitated. The Attorney will have the ability to make decisions regarding your finances and personal care. Any decision made must be in your best interest and in accordance with what you would have been likely to do.

An EPA will only come into effect on your Doctor or medical team have confirmed that you are no longer capable of making decisions for yourself. As such creating an EPA allows you to effectively plan for the future, and ensure that you chosen Attorneys are aware ahead of time of their duties and your wishes for how they should act.

Setting up a Power of Attorney

To set up either a General or Enduring Power of Attorney you must have the legal and mental capacity to do so. In either case, your chosen Attorneys will have a lot of obligations and control over your future so make sure you choose somebody you can trust and that they have the ability to carry out the tasks being asked of them.

In order to set up a POA or EPA you will need to visit a solicitor to have an agreement drawn up and notarised. This agreement will lay out all the conditions, terms, and duties of your Attorney. Once the document is notarised is a legal and authentic document.

Hugh McGroddy Notary - Power of Attorney Dublin 

If you need to set up a Power of Attorney, have more questions on the differences, or want to know more about the process, get in touch with the team at Hugh McGroddy Notary on 01 4404890 or at hmcgroddy@williamjbrennan.com or visit our Power of Attorney page.

You may need to engage the services of a Commissioner of Oaths if you are giving evidence on an affidavit for court proceedings in Ireland, you are making an affirmation, declaration, or attestation for the purposes of court proceedings, or you are making a declaration for the purposes of the transfer of property or registration of ownership. The purpose of taking an Oath is to give due solemnity to what you are doing and saying in order to ensure its truth and accuracy.

Functions of a Commissioner for Oaths

• To make sure that the evidence in question is in written form (the draft affidavit)
• To establish that the person before him/her has read the draft affidavit and fully understands the contents
• To require the person to swear that the affidavit is true by raising the appropriate Testament in the right hand and repeating the words of the oath
• To verify that the affidavit was properly sworn by completing a "jurat" on the affidavit
• To charge a fee for his/her services.

The Process

The process of swearing an Oath is actually very simple. You should first make sure that you have read and understood the declaration or the affidavit. You should ensure that all information is true and accurate and you should be willing to swear to This accuracy. Make sure you bring the document to the Commissioner for Oaths appointment. You will also need to bring photographic ID and proof address to confirm your identity.

The Commissioner will ask you if you have read and understood the document. He will ask you to sign where appropriate, take a Bible, Old Testament, Qur'an or relevant holy book in your hand and say "I swear that this is my name and handwriting, that I have read the affidavit and that the contents of the affidavit are true". If you are not religious and you can affirm instead of swearing. Simply replace "swear" with "solemnly and sincerely declare".

Signature & Declaration Conditions

• The signatory of the declaration or affidavit is not present. This would be known as signing 'in absentia' and is not allowed.
• Adequate photo ID is not provided
• They believe that the signatory does not understand that they are affirming.
• They believe the individual will refuse to sign or may potentially become hostile. 

Hugh McGroddy Notary - Commissioner for Oaths Dublin 

For more information on what a Commissioner for Oath is and what they do you can contact the team expert team here at Hugh McGroddy Notary on 01 4404890 or at hmcgroddy@williamjbrennan.com or visit our Commissioner for Oaths page. 

An Apostille is a certificate that confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp that appears on the document is genuine. An apostille is applied to a document by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ireland.

What Does an Apostille Do?

An apostille can either be stamped on the document you are trying to authenticate or it can be attached to it. The apostille certifies that the document originated in Ireland, that name of the company or authority that has signed, sealed or stamped the document is genuine, and the identity and capacity in which he document was signed.

Before you can apply for an apostille the document must be signed by a notary public and any photocopies of the document must be true copies of the original. In Ireland Apostille certificate are usually issued on the same day of application.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

• Opening foreign bank accounts
• Oversees contracts
• Buying or selling property in another country
• Maintaining client files in multiple locations
• Court proceedings abroad

What Documents Need an Apostille?

• Passports
• Proof of address
• Powers of Attorneys
• Memorandum & Articles of Association 
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Certificate of Good Standing
• Minutes of meetings
• Resolutions passed
• Declaration of Trust

Hugh McGroddy Notary - Apostilles Dublin 

If require a Notary Public or believe you need an Apostille then contact the team at Hugh McGroddy Notary on 01 4404890 or at hmcgroddy@williamjbrennan.com for more information.

Affidavits

An affidavit is a sworn, written statement from a witness in a legal case. This document sets out the facts of the case as 100% true and factual. In simple terms, an affidavit is the written version of a sworn testament. In order to verify that the affidavit is factual, it will need to be notarised by a notary public. This involves the individual swearing the affidavit and then signing the document in the presence of the notary. The notary will verify the affidavit by completing and signing a jurat on the affidavit. It can then be submitted as evidence to the court.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person or persons, the authority to handle your finances and home for you or to make decisions on your behalf. Once you have selected someone you trust to be your attorney a document will need to be drawn up that will outline all the conditions, duties and time duration of the power of attorney. In order for this document to be recognised as a legal and authentic document, it will need to be signed by a notary public. Once notarised your attorney will have the ability to perform tasks and make decisions within the conditions of the document.

Foreign Adoptions

A foreign adoption is an extremely complicated legal process. Before a foreign adoption authority will approve the adoption of a child into Ireland, they will require copies of very many documents including birth certificates, medical assessments, declaration of eligibility and much more. The documents will have to be notarised by a notary public to ensure authenticity and to satisfy the regulations and directives of the foreign authorities.

Other Situations

 Other situations that will require the services of a notary include:

• Buying or selling a house
• Transferring property to a family member
• Getting a Mortgage
• Writing a Last Will & Testament 
• Moving country

Hugh McGroddy Notary Dublin 

If you need to an Affidavit sworn, want to set up a Power of Attorney, or require any other Notary Public Services  contact the team at Hugh McGroddy Notary on 01 4404890 or at hmcgroddy@williamjbrennan.com or visit our Notary page for more information.

Selecting a suitable power of attorney is a very important task. But despite this, there is a great deal of misunderstanding surrounding POA documents. In this post, we discuss the most common POA misconceptions so that you can be fully informed when choosing your attorney.

There is Only One Type of Power of Attorney

There are actually two different kinds of Power of Attorney. 

2. An Enduring Power of Attorney places legal authority with the attorney to make future choices on your behalf if you do not have the mental capability to do so. An Enduring POA can be set up to help manage your finances or to make decisions about your healthcare.

The Power of Attorney Can Do Whatever They Want

Whether you have set up an Ordinary Power of Attorney or an Enduring Power of Attorney the attorney is bound by a "Fiduciary Obligation". This means that the attorney must always act in the donor's best interest and prevents them from making decisions that will take advantage of you. This fiduciary obligation may not necessarily be outlined in the POA document but it is still legally binding.

In most situations, the attorney is simply carrying out your pre-determined wishes because you are unable to do, and these wishes can even be outlined in the POA document. Even so, it is still highly recommended that you choose somebody you trust to act as your Power of Attorney.

A Power of Attorney Will Survive Death

An Ordinary Power of Attorney ends the moment the donor becomes incapacitated. As ordinary POAs are set up with certain conditions, all decision making powers of the attorney cease if the donor becomes mentally incapacitated.

An Enduring Power of Attorney does not cease when the donor becomes ill or mentally incapacitated. Instead, the power lasts up until the death of the donor. The attorney will have no decision making powers once the donor dies.

The last will and testament will identify the person responsible for handling the deceased's estate, and it is this person only who has any decision making powers.

Hugh McGroddy Notary - Power of Attorney Dublin 

If you need help establishing a Power of Attorney or would like some advice then contact the team at Hugh McGroddy Notary on 01 4404890 or at hmcgroddy@williamjbrennan.com for more information. 

Drafting an Affidavit

The affidavit is usually prepared by a solicitor or barrister once they receive all the necessary information from you. However, your own solicitor is prohibited from signing your affidavit. You must go to a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths to swear in the document. They will check that you have read the affidavit and fully understands its contents. You will then swear in the document and sign the affidavit. The Notary Public/Commissioner for Oaths will verify that the affidavit was properly sworn by completing and signing a jurat on the affidavit. The affidavit can then be submitted as evidence to the court.

Information Contained in an Affidavit

An affidavit must include the following:

• The title of the case
• The identity of the person making the affidavit
• The occupation and address of the person making the affidavit
• A statement that the witness is over 18 years of age or, if their age if the are under 18
• The evidence, which must be facts that the witness is able to prove of their own knowledge and how they got this knowledge.
• The signature of the witness and the date they signed it
• A jurat, which is a section on the affidavit where the Commissioner for Oaths verifies and signs that the affidavit was properly sworn

Proceedings that Require an Affidavit

The majority of legal proceedings may require an affidavit, from personal injury cases and property transactions to business transactions and estate contentions. At certain times during the course of the legal proceedings becomes necessary for particular facts to be affirmed in a sworn statement. An affidavit will also be necessary for cases that do not involve an oral hearing with witnesses giving evidence in court. Instead, these cases are dealt using only affidavits and may even require multiple affidavits from the same person. 

Hugh McGroddy Notary - Affidavits Dublin 

If you need to an Affidavit sworn or would like more advice then contact the team at Hugh McGroddy Notary on 01 4404890 or at hmcgroddy@williamjbrennan.com or visit our Notary page for more information. 

You may require the services of a Commissioner for Oaths if:

• You are giving evidence on affidavit for court proceedings in Ireland.
• You are making an affirmation, declaration, acknowledgment, examination or attestation for the purposes of court proceedings.
• You are making a declaration for the purposes of the transfer of property or registration of ownership.

Functions of a Commissioner for Oaths

Commissioner for Oaths have a number of functions. These are primarily:

• To make sure that the evidence in question is in written form (the draft affidavit).
• To establish that the person before him/her has read the draft affidavit and fully understands the contents.
• To establish the identity of the person signing the affidavit.
• To require the person to swear that the affidavit is true by raising the appropriate Testament in the right hand and repeating the words of the oath.
• To verify that the affidavit was properly sworn by completing a "jurat" on the affidavit.

A Commissioner for Oaths can take declarations for a number of documents including:

• Family Home Declarations
• Affidavits
• Statutory Declarations
• Oaths

Oaths and Affirmations

The person making the oath will be required to swear on the New Testament. Those in the Jewish faith can swear on the Old Testament. The oath taken in front of the Commissioner will be:

• "I swear by Almighty God that this is my name and handwriting, and that the contents of this my affidavit are true.”

Some people do not wish to be sworn in on the grounds of religion. Instead, they are required to make a solemn affirmation as follows:

• “I, ... do solemnly and sincerely affirm that this is my name and handwriting, and that the contents of this my affidavit are true.”

Once you have sworn your oath or made your affirmation, the Commissioner for Oaths will provide a signature verifying the documents and stating that the oath has taken place. 

Hugh McGroddy Notary - Commissioner for Oaths Dublin 

If you require the services of a Commissioner for Oaths or would like more advice then visit our Commissioner for Oaths page and contact the team at Hugh McGroddy Notary on 01 4404890 or at hmcgroddy@williamjbrennan.com

What is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person or persons, the authority to handle your finances and home for you. The person you select is called an "attorney" and the person agreeing to the power of attorney is referred to as the "donor". It is important to note that the attorney does not have to be a solicitor or legal representative, but can be relative or friend. Once the Power of Attorney has been set up and is notarised, the attorney can then act on the donor's behalf if you are missing, abroad or disabled through disease or illness. It's up to each donor to choose exactly what the power of attorney has authority over. It can be full power, without constraints, or provide minimal powers just to complete a certain task, for instance, to sell a home.

What can an Attorney Do?

In Ireland, we have two types of attorneys. 

An Ordinary Power of Attorney is a legal agreement authorising the attorney to manage your monetary affairs. It can be set up for a short term duration, for instance, you require somebody to act for you you're on holidays, or for only when you are able to monitor their actions. 

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a method of offering someone you trust the legal authority making choices in your place if you do not have the mental capability in the future. An Enduring Power of Attorney can be set up to help manage your finances if you are incapable of doing so or to make decisions about your healthcare.

How to Set Up a Power of Attorney?

The function of an attorney includes a large amount of power and obligation so it's of the utmost importance that you trust the person you've chosen as your attorney. Make sure that who choose an attorney that will have the ability to perform those tasks and make decisions that will be in your own best interests. Once you are happy with your choice and the attorney has agreed you will need to visit a solicitor to have the Power of Attorney agreement drawn up. This agreement will lay out all of the conditions, duties and time duration of the power of attorney. This agreement will then have to be notarised but a Notary Public to be recognised as a legal and authentic document.

Hugh McGroddy Notary Public prepares Power of Attorney Dublin  

If you require help setting up a Power of Attorney or would like more advice then visit our Power of Attorney page and contact the team at Hugh McGroddy  on 01 4404890 or at hmcgroddy@williamjbrennan.com

Simply put, a notary is a public officer who serves the public in non-contentious matters and authenticates legal documents. No-contentious matters usually concern deeds, estates, powers of attorney, and foreign or international business. A notary public is empowered by law and custom to undertake the duties of a notary and all notarial acts are recognised internationally.

What Does a Notary Do?

The main purpose of a notary public is to prevent fraud by witnessing the signing of documents and verifying their authority. The functions of a notary include:

- Administering oaths and affirmations
- Taking affidavits and statutory declarations
- Executing deeds, contracts, and other written documents
- Provide notice of foreign drafts
- Authenticating documents
- Drawing up powers of attorney and other legal documents

When Would I Need to Use a Notary Service?

There are many times or situations in which you will require the services of a notary public. The most likely the situations is if you need to send papers or documents abroad to foreign jurisdictions. You may require a notary in relation to:

- International contracts
- Affidavits for use in foreign courts
- Foreign adoption papers
- Copies of State documents for use abroad
- Powers of attorney

Hugh McGroddy Notary Public Dublin 

At Hugh McGroddy we offer our clients a professional notary service. For more information on this service visit our Notary Page. If you need an experienced notary then get in touch with our team today on 01 4404890.