Melbourne Notary Public

Qualifications and professional background

Leo holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of Melbourne. He has practised as an Australian lawyer since 2009 and is the founder of United Associates Barristers and Solicitors, also known as UA Lawyers.

Throughout his legal career, Leo has worked with private clients, companies and international stakeholders on matters involving Australia and overseas jurisdictions. His experience includes cross-border legal and commercial matters, document preparation, regulatory processes, commercial transactions and communication with parties from different legal and cultural backgrounds.

This experience is particularly valuable in notarial work, where an Australian document must often satisfy the formal requirements of a foreign court, government department, bank, company, property authority, university or other institution.

Apostille and Authentication assistance

Some notarised documents must be legalised before they can be accepted overseas. Depending on the destination and the nature of the document, this may involve an Apostille or Authentication issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Leo can assist clients in understanding the likely process and, where agreed, arrange lodgement and collection of notarised documents with DFAT.

An Apostille or Authentication is issued by DFAT, not by the Notary Public. Its purpose is generally to verify the signature, seal and official capacity appearing on the Australian public document. It does not certify the truth of every statement contained in the underlying document or guarantee that a particular overseas authority will accept it.

Where an additional embassy or consular process may be required, Leo can explain the likely next steps based on the information available. Final requirements should always be confirmed with the overseas receiving authority.

A careful and evidence-based approach

A Notary Public performs an independent public function. Before completing a notarial act, Leo may need to verify the client’s identity, inspect original documents, confirm the client’s authority or capacity, assess whether the client understands the document, and review the requirements of the overseas transaction.

You may be asked to provide

• A current passport or other government-issued photographic identification
• Original documents to be copied or certified
• Instructions from the overseas receiving authority
• Supporting corporate or personal records
• Evidence of authority to sign for a company, estate or another person
• An English translation of a foreign-language document
• Additional evidence where names or identity details are inconsistent

These checks protect the integrity of the notarial act and reduce the risk of the document being delayed or rejected overseas.