To want an alternative?

[CactusVera]

I already posted this in the legal section, but as time is of the essence I decided to post it in a busier forum. :)

The situation is this:

I need to get a legal document from the States notarised here in order to make my brother executor of our Mum's estate. As far as I can see, the document really just entails my signature and the date, and of course the notary's stamp/verification/whatever it is that they do. We all live over here now but my brother has returned to the states in order to get these things organised and so we haven't got much time.

The problem is this:

I've spent hours trekking around London trying to find a solicitor or notary public and I've been given disappointing news. The notary public I spoke to said that I would have to pay £70 for the service.

A family member mentioned that they'd had a solicitor swear under oath (?) and that had sufficed American courts in the past, albeit for a different purpose (which had costed more in the region of £10). However, none of the solicitors could give me any other options.

In America a notary charges around $5, and I cannot afford the fees I've been quoted here.

Is there an alternative?

Any advice would be gratefully accepted!

I thought librarians could do it, but that might be something more basic than will writing etc. That probably doesn't help, but good luck anyway!

That's interesting. Over there, most bank's have a notary and they're easy to find. I'm not sure how well informed the Americans are about the process here? Surely a verification of identity (and sound mind :P) from a community figure would be sufficient?

*banks... >.

Certainly in this country if you are required to get a document notarised it would be exceptional if a sworn oath would be accepted instead. Further you will probably find that the fees are pretty much the same.

(£70 is also "reasonable" the last docs I got notarised for use abroad cost me £110+ Vat)

I don't know the rules in the US but if they have asked for it to be notarised I would get it done - the delay if it is not accepted will presumably be more hassle than it is worth.

You could try getting some phone advice from Citizen's Advice tomorrow, they should be able to find out for you who would be suitable and call you back the same day with the information.

Okay, so my first stop will be Citizen's Advice tomorrow. Thank you LucyLouLou!

Nancydrewrocked- Ouch, £110 is a lot for that. I guess on top of the financial side, it just seems ridiculous to charge so much for the service!