International document requirements are rarely negotiable and often time-sensitive. University enrolment deadlines don't wait for authentication delays. Property settlements proceed on schedule regardless of documentation issues. Visa applications have fixed processing windows. Court dates are set in stone. When you need notarial services, you need them done correctly the first time.
A Notary Public is a senior legal practitioner with special powers to authenticate documents for international use. Unlike a Justice of the Peace whose certification is valid for use only within Australia, a Notary Public's authentication is recognised globally under international law and treaties. In Queensland, only experienced solicitors with numerous years of practice and trustworthy professional records can be appointed as Notaries Public.
What is a Notary Public?We provide complete authentication services for all types of international documents. Our core services include verifying your identity and witnessing your signature on important documents, certifying true copies of original documents, preparing notarial certificates that meet international standards, and arranging for DFAT Apostille or Authentication when required.
When you visit our office, we begin by verifying your identity through current photo identification, typically your passport or driver's license. This verification is fundamental to the international trust placed in notarised documents. We then review your documents to ensure they're complete and that you understand their contents and legal implications. Documents in any language can be notarised, provided you understand what you're signing.
A Notary Public is a professional commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury to authenticate identities and original documents. Their certification gives documents legal standing for international use.
A Justice of the Peace can certify documents and witness signatures for use within Australia. A Notary Public’s certification is recognised internationally under treaties and foreign law. In Queensland, Notaries Public are generally senior legal practitioners appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
We can notarise a wide range of documents including statutory declarations, powers of attorney, deeds, academic qualifications, birth and marriage certificates, company documents, consent letters for minors travelling abroad, and contracts. Documents in any language can be notarised, provided you understand what you are signing. If you’re unsure whether your document requires notarisation, contact us and we’ll advise.
It depends on the destination country. Australia has signed the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents notarised in Australia can be given an Apostille by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for use in member countries. For countries not part of the Convention, full Authentication through DFAT and the relevant embassy is required.
The process starts with notarisation, after which you attend DFAT to obtain the Apostille. We make the DFAT appointment for you and provide the form you’ll need to take with you.
In most cases, we can notarise documents at your appointment, subject to identity verification and document review. Appointments are available daily. Call (07) 3278 2109 and you can usually attend the same day. Please allow 20 to 30 minutes for your appointment. If you have a large number of documents, contact our office for a time estimate and quote. For urgent matters, call us directly and we will do our best to accommodate you. If your documents also require an Apostille or Authentication, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has its own processing timeframes.
Principal Solicitor & Notary Public
On 6 July 2005 Jennifer Williamson was appointed as a Notary Public by the Archbishop of Canterbury. As Principal of Williamson & Associates and a respected member of the Queensland legal profession, Jennifer combines extensive private practice experience with the specialised knowledge required for international document authentication.
Jennifer's dual role as both practicing solicitor and Notary Public means she offers more than document authentication. She provides comprehensive legal guidance for clients navigating international transactions, ensuring documents not only meet authentication requirements but also protect her clients' legal interests across borders.
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