WHO IS A NOTARY PUBLIC?
A Notary Public is a legally qualified practitioner who has been admitted as an Attorney and has successfully completed additional examinations to be formally admitted as a Notary Public by the High Court of South Africa.
Notaries hold a unique status in the legal profession and are authorised to:
· Draft, attest, and register notarial deeds and contracts
· Officially witness and certify the signing of documents
· Authenticate documentation for use both within South Africa and abroad
· Register documents with the Deeds Office, where required by law
Notarial acts are held to a higher evidentiary standard and are often essential in personal, property, or commercial matters that require public registration, cross-border recognition, or enhanced legal formality.
OUR NOTARY PUBLIC SERVICES
At Ooni & Wadia Inc. we provide comprehensive notarial services for private individuals, businesses, and professionals. Whether drafting an Antenuptial Contract, registering a Notarial Bond, or authenticating documents for international use, we ensure that each notarial act is legally sound, properly executed, and delivered with efficiency and clarity.
Authentication & Attestation
· Attesting signatures on documents and contracts
· Certifying copies of official documents and identity records
· Drafting and authenticating Powers of Attorney
· Document legalisation and apostille services (for use in foreign jurisdictions, including compliance with the Hague Convention)
· Assisting with notarisation for immigration, international work, and academic recognition
Antenuptial & Matrimonial Services
· Drafting and registering Antenuptial Contracts (ANC)
· Advising couples on matrimonial property regimes and the accrual system
· Drafting and registering Postnuptial Contracts (including High Court applications where required)
· Explaining the legal and financial implications of marriage regimes, especially in the context of estate planning
Notarial Deeds & Property-Linked Instruments
· Notarial Bonds (General and Special) to secure loans or movable assets
· Notarial Lease Agreements exceeding 10 years, for long-term property use
· Drafting and registration of Notarial Deeds of Servitude, Usufruct, and Right of Way
· Tie Agreements to link immovable properties or facilitate sectional title development
· Coordination with conveyancing or commercial teams where multiple registrations are involved
Trust Documentation & Legal Instruments
· Drafting and registering Trust Deeds
· Advising on the legal structuring of family or commercial trusts
· Amending and updating existing trust instruments
· Notarising trust resolutions or declarations where required
WHAT SETS OUR NOTARIAL PRACTICE APART
Specialist Expertise Across Sectors - We act in both personal and commercial notarial matters, with the ability to coordinate seamlessly across our conveyancing, estates, and corporate departments.
Deeds Office Accuracy - Our notarial deeds meet all Deeds Registry standards — avoiding delays and rejections through precise drafting and proper lodging.
International Focus - We frequently assist with document authentication and apostille services for use in foreign jurisdictions, including expedited services where urgent.
Efficient Turnaround, Client Support - We guide clients step-by-step through notarial processes — ensuring legal clarity, timely execution, and professional handling of sensitive documentation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS? (FAQ's)
Our Notaries are admitted Attorneys who provide document authentication services including antenuptial contracts, notarial bonds, sworn affidavits, and powers of attorney for international use.
Q: Who can act as a notary public in South Africa?
A: Only Attorneys who have passed the Notarial Practice Exam and are admitted by the High Court can perform notarial functions.
Q: What documents commonly require notarisation?
A: These include antenuptial contracts, notarial bonds, powers of attorney for foreign use, affidavits, and declarations.
Q: What is the process for registering an antenuptial contract (ANC)?
A: It must be signed before the marriage and lodged with the Deeds Office within 3 months of execution.
Q: Can notarial documents be used internationally?
A: Yes, with an apostille certificate issued under the Hague Convention or authentication by DIRCO for non-signatory states.
Q: What’s the difference between certification and notarisation?
A: Certification confirms a copy is true to the original. Notarisation involves authentication and is legally binding.
Q: How long does notarisation take?
A: Typically completed within 1–2 business days depending on the document and whether translation or legalisation is needed.
Q: Can notarial services be done remotely?
A: Some preliminary work may be done electronically, but signature and identification must happen in person due to legal requirements.
Q: Are notarial fees regulated?
A: Yes, under the Rules of the Legal Practice Council, although fees may vary by complexity or urgency.
Q: Can you assist with sworn translations?
A: We collaborate with certified translators and can notarise translated documents for legal or immigration use.