The apostille is the authentication of a document for use in another country. The apostille certificate, issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirms the signature, seal or stamp on a UK document to be genuine so that it will be accepted when presented in another country outside the UK
The FCDO checks the document, such as a French power of attorney, to confirm that the signature, stamp or seal of the notary public are genuine. The FCDO holds a database including specimen signatures of notaries and an impression of their seal of office. The FCDO also has access to the up to date lists of practising notaries held by the regulator, the Faculty Office.
If the FCDO is satisfied following the above checks, they will legalise the document by attaching a stamped official certificate (an “apostille”) to it in compliance with the Hague Convention 5th October 1961.
We offer a fast and reliable service to obtain the apostille from the FCDO. If required, we can courier the authenticated French power of attorney to the relevant French notaire. Please see below for further information.
The provision of the apostille authenticating documentation for use abroad was established by HCCH 1961 Apostille Convention.
Each apostille certificate issued by the FCDO bears an individual reference number, which may be verified easily by a French notaire using the apostille verification service on gov.uk.
The apostille certificate contains ten points-
1. country of issue
2. who has signed the document
3. the capacity in which the person signed the document
4. details of any seal on the document
5. place of issue
6. date of issue
7. issuing authority
8. apostille certificate number
9. stamp of issuing authority
10. signature of representative of issuing authority.
The following is an example of an apostille certificate.
As recognised experts, the Trousset Fawcett apostille service can obtain swiftly the apostille certificate from the FCDO and supply the authenticated power of attorney to the French notaire. To enquire about our apostille service, please contact e-mail us on info@troussetfawcett.com or call on +44 (0)207 734 7282.
Nathalie Trousset is a well-known and highly-regarded qualified French notaire and public notary based in London, providing specialist French notarial services for clients across England and Wales.
Nathalie is also a solicitor of England and Wales and a French avocat at the Paris Bar providing specialist legal advice regarding French property matters.
Because of our professionalism, experience, and nationality, we have excellent working relationships with notaires all over France. Our clients come to us through a variety of channels, including word of mouth, referrals from French notaires, estate agents, solicitors, banks, and current and former clients.
We also provide an apostille certificate service, as well as notarising French powers of attorney. Please e-mail us at info@troussetfawcett.com or call +44 (0)203 773 22778 to learn more about our areas of expertise and what we can offer you.
For French legal advice by a French solicitor or notary public service, contact Trousset Fawcett. We offer a truly specialist legal service for clients based in England and Wales. Enquire with us today.