Documents witnessed?

[IWantSummer]

We need some documents signed/witnessed.
Here in uk, do you have justice of peace?
Is it notary public?
Can it really cost a few hundred pounds?

Usually when you need something witnessed, it just has to be a 'professional person' who's known you for a couple of years. Examples can be a teacher, doctor, bloke at the post office, neighbour with a degree. Those are all sufficient for something like a passport, and various other pretty important documents.

'Notary publics' do exist but no idea what they might be needed for! What sort of documents is it?

Depends what exactly needs doing.

If it has to be notarised, it will probably cost in excess of 100 pounds. You will need to try to find a notary near you, not all firms of solicitors have them.

If it is just a document that needs to be witnessed by a commissioner for oaths, you could go to any firm of solicitors and get it sworn. Normal charge is 5 pounds plus extra 2 for each exhibit. Also, you could go to a local court who will do it for free.

You need to clarify what exactly it is.

MOSagain the court only do/did it for free in family proceedings. A recent rule change has done away with the need for affidavits to be sworn. Since the start of the month it's been signed statements with a statement of truth.

OP - I assume the document is a foreign one? Usually if you need something witnessing you can get anyone to do it.

I had to get a couple of letters witnessed by a solicitor (my DD was travelling abroad without me and my friend needed to have authorisation to travel with her and sign for any medical procedures in an emergency).

I went to a solicitor I had used 8 yrs previously when buying my house - on the phone the secretary said it would be ?20 per document but when I got there he refused to charge me! (probably because he thought if I ever move house again he would get my business - bless him he'll have to wait till I win the Lottery...)

In fact he will get my business again if I ever need a solicitor because he did this - so if you have a solicitor you used before for something else, see what they can do for you.

Depends what it is. Wills can be witnessed by anyone so long as they're over 18 and not a beneficiary or potential beneficiary.

In my day job we normally charge £5 to witness an affidavit/statement plus £2 for each exhibit.

Yes it is some overseas documents. Authorisation for withdrawal if funds/sale of shares.
Think we will find a solicitor those charges much more reasonable.
Thanks for your replies

You might find it does have to be notarised. A few times I've had to get a witness to a signature on overseas documents and they specified that they had to be notarised. I'd suggest you double check that.