turkish notary in the UK
Terms of Business
These Terms of Business set out the basis on which the Notary, Selin Gok Isozu, provides notarial services. By instructing the Notary, you agree to these terms. They clarify each party’s responsibilities and ensure a transparent, professional relationship.
If you have any questions, please ask. You will receive a copy of these terms or a client care letter at the outset of a matter.
These Terms of Business, together with the Privacy Notice published on this website, apply to all notarial and related services provided by the Notary.
1. The Role of the Notary
A Notary Public’s function is to certify or authenticate documents and facts for use in foreign jurisdictions. Notaries in England and Wales have a duty to all parties who may rely on the notarised document, including recipients overseas, and must follow strict standards of care.
This means the Notary’s work goes beyond witnessing a signature. It involves verifying identities, ensuring understanding and consent, and confirming that documents meet all required formalities. The Notary’s duty is primarily to the transaction and the authenticity of the document, not only to the person appearing before them.
The Notary will explain any additional steps such as legalisation or translation required for your document.
2. Why a Notary ?
Notarial certification is almost always required because your document will be used abroad. The Notary’s duty of care extends not only to you but also to third parties and foreign authorities who rely on the document’s authenticity. Each matter requires careful checking to prevent errors, forgery, or misuse. The process may appear detailed, but it ensures international acceptance and protects all parties involved.
3. Service Hours and Appointments
Appointments are normally available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Evening or weekend appointments may be arranged by prior agreement.
Meetings take place at 7 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8PS, or another agreed location.
Mobile appointments at homes or offices across Greater London, particularly South London, can be arranged. Travel time and expenses may be added where applicable.
4. Instructions and Scope of Work
When engaging the Notary’s services, please identify the documents clearly and specify what you need.
The Notary’s work is limited to the notarial formalities agreed. Unless stated otherwise, the Notary does not provide legal advice on document content or foreign law.
If a document is in a language you do not understand, the Notary may require a translation to ensure comprehension. The Notary can arrange this or accept a certified translation provided by you.
The Notary may decline to act or may stop acting if a conflict of interest arises, if unethical or unlawful conduct is suspected, or if identification and due diligence requirements are not met.
5. Identification and Due Diligence
You must provide satisfactory proof of identity and address in line with the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations.
For individuals: a valid passport or photo driving licence, and a recent utility bill or bank statement (not older than three months).
For companies: a Certificate of Incorporation, current Companies House record, and proof of the signatory’s authority such as a board resolution or power of attorney.
The Notary may conduct verification searches or electronic checks. Work cannot proceed until these checks are complete. All data is processed in line with data protection laws.
6. Documents and Proof of Names
If your name on the document differs from your identification, you must produce supporting evidence such as a marriage certificate, change of name deed, or statutory declaration.
Sending copies of documents and any foreign instructions before the appointment helps prevent delay and error.
7. Companies, Partnerships, and Organisations
If you are signing on behalf of a company or organisation, please prepare:
- Identification for the authorised signatory.
- Certificate of Incorporation and any change of name certificate.
- The latest confirmation statement or Companies House record.
- A board resolution or power of attorney authorising the signature.
For partnerships, clubs, or charities, partnership agreements or governing documents may be required.
The Notary may perform company searches or other checks, and the cost of these searches will be included in the overall fee.
8. Foreign Language Documents
If a document is not in English or Turkish, the Notary must be satisfied that you understand its contents. If you do not, a written translation will be required.
If the Notary is fluent in the language, a formal translation may not be necessary, but your understanding must still be confirmed. For other languages, an independent translator must be used at your expense.
9. Interpreter
If communication between you and the Notary is not fluent in a common language, a qualified interpreter may be required. The interpreter must be impartial and not a family member. Interpreter fees are your responsibility, and the interpreter may be asked to sign a declaration of accuracy.
10. Fees, Estimates, and Payment
The Notary’s hourly rate and minimum fee are published on the Fees & Process page. The minimum fee is £80, and the standard hourly rate is £300.
Disbursements such as FCDO, embassy, courier, or translator fees are charged at cost and may require advance payment.
You are entitled to a quotation or estimate before work begins. If unforeseen issues arise that increase time or cost, the Notary will inform you and provide a revised estimate.
Payment is due at the appointment or upon receipt of the notarised document. Documents are released once payment is received.
Payments can be made by bank transfer or cash (within reasonable limits). Card payments are not accepted.
If a matter is cancelled after work has started, a reasonable fee will be charged for work completed and any disbursements incurred.
11. Confidentiality and Data Protection
All information provided is kept confidential and used only for notarial purposes, in accordance with data protection laws.
The Notary records every act in the notarial register and retains copies securely.
Records may be reviewed by the Faculty Office as part of regulatory oversight but are not disclosed otherwise without lawful authority.
Data collected as part of notarial records is used solely to fulfil professional and legal responsibilities.
12. Record Keeping
Entries are made in the Notary’s official register (protocol) for every act, and copies are kept securely for at least twelve years, often indefinitely. Copies can be provided upon request for a small administrative fee.
13. Insurance and Liability
The Notary maintains Professional Indemnity Insurance in line with the requirements of the Master of the Faculties.
Cover: £1,000,000 per claim.
Insurer: HCC International / Howden Insurance Brokers Limited.
Scope: Worldwide cover excluding the USA and Canada.
Activities relating to will writing, conveyancing, or probate are excluded and not undertaken.
Liability is limited to the insurance amount (£1,000,000) unless a higher limit is agreed in writing. This limitation does not exclude liability for death, personal injury, or any liability that cannot be limited by law.
The Notary is not liable for delays or losses caused by third parties such as couriers, embassies, or the FCDO.
14. Postage and Courier
When posting or couriering documents, reputable services are used, but risk passes to you once the item is handed to the carrier.
Tracked and insured delivery is recommended for original documents.
Replacement notarised copies can be issued if possible, but additional charges may apply.
15. Termination and Cancellation
You may cancel your instructions at any time. If cancellation occurs within 24 hours of an appointment or after work has begun, reasonable fees and disbursements will be charged.
Consumers contracting remotely have a 14-day right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
If you ask the Notary to begin work during this period, you agree that the right to cancel will end once the service is completed.
The Notary may terminate the engagement if identification or information is not provided, if unethical or illegal activity is suspected, or if professional obligations prevent continuation.
16. Complaints and Redress
The Notary is committed to maintaining high standards of service.
If you are dissatisfied, please raise the issue immediately. A copy of the Complaints Procedure is available on the website and provided with your documents.
If the issue cannot be resolved directly, you may refer it to The Notaries Society, the Faculty Office, or in some cases, the Legal Ombudsman. These services are free to use.
17. Equality and Accessibility
All clients and parties are treated fairly and without discrimination.
If you require accessible arrangements, such as step-free access or large-print documents, please inform us in advance and we will make suitable adjustments.
18. Use of Technology and Email
The Notary may use technology, electronic systems, and digital tools to provide services but will not rely on any automated or artificial intelligence system without human review.
All emails are sent unencrypted unless requested otherwise. Clients should take normal precautions to protect their data and scan attachments for viruses.
19. Third-Party Rights
No person other than the client has any right to enforce these Terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
20. Governing Law
These Terms of Business and any dispute arising from them are governed by the law of England and Wales.
Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain valid.