Notary Public | Guernsey
Notarial services are provided by Michael Riddiford, a Guernsey Advocate and a Partner in Babbé’s Private Client team.
Clients are encouraged to email Michael in the first instance at m.riddiford@babbelegal.com to enquire about specific notarial needs.
Please note: For the avoidance of doubt – whilst Michael Riddiford’s office is based at Babbé LLP, Michael’s notarial work is undertaken through the notarial business which is completely independent of Babbé LLP and is regulated through the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and not by the Guernsey Bar.
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary is an independent officer of the law who verifies identities, witnesses signatures and certifies or draws up documents to make them legally valid or authentic, particularly when they are to be sent abroad.
Whilst Guernsey is not part of the United Kingdom, its Notaries are still appointed, as in the UK, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, after having passed the necessary qualification examinations. Historically, such officials have their origins in the civil institutions of ancient Rome. They are a separate, indeed the oldest, branch of the legal profession, with their own, distinct qualification process and regulation.
Guernsey Notaries are regulated and overseen by the Master of the Court of Faculties in the United Kingdom. Consequently, Notaries must be fully insured and comply with practice rules and have to renew their practising certificates annually.
Michael Riddiford is the sole notary public at Babbé LLP, having qualified in 2000. He can be contacted at m.riddiford@babbelegal.com.
Michael Riddiford is authorised to practise as a Notary throughout the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which includes Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. Please email him, explaining what is required.
If required, it may also be possible to issue notarial certificates in French.
We will endeavour to deal with your requirements the same day, or within 24 hours, subject of course to the nature of the work involved and the availability of the notary public.
Speak with a Notary Public in Guernsey
If you require notarial services from a Guernsey-based practitioner, Contact Us to arrange an appointment with Michael Riddiford.
Find out more about legalisation and apostille, visit : What is legalisation/an apostille?
