Due to the lengthy nature of the legalisation process, planning is essential. Diplomas, transcripts and other academic documents must often be legalised for study abroad programmes, international employment and immigration purposes. It verifies that the credentials were earned from a reputable institution and are genuine. Documents such as articles of incorporation, meeting minutes, powers of attorney and contracts are included in Business and Corporate Documents. Businesses extending abroad or engaging in international transactions frequently require these documents to be legalised to establish their business legitimacy. The authentication of court orders, affidavits and other legal documents may be necessary for their use in international legal proceedings or business transactions. Documents pertinent to international adoption, guardianship and inheritance disputes may fall under this category. If a property is being purchased, sold, or transferred internationally, deeds, land registration documents and mortgage agreements may need to be authenticated. Certain medical records or health certificates may require legalisation for travel or relocation, especially if a specific medical condition must be declared. In cases of international probate disputes or repatriation of remains, it may be necessary to authenticate a death certificate. Each of these documents has its own procedure for notarisation and legalisation, based on the regulations of the issuing country and the country where the document will be used. All such documents are required to bear the original signature, mark, or seal of a recognised authority. What would your first piece of advice be for a UK company looking to legalise multiple sensitive documents internationally? Before commencing the notarisation and legalisation process, it is essential to determine which documents, if any, require legalisation. This may include corporate documents, contracts, financial documents and other confidential data. Understanding the specific requirements of the foreign jurisdiction where the documents will be used is also crucial, as different countries have variable recognition procedures for foreign documents. Employ a notary public. A notary public is a public official authorised to authenticate and certify signatures, authority and capacity on international documents. The notary will ensure that your documents are correctly signed and that the signers are authorised to do so. In addition, they can provide certified copies of documents, which may be required in specific circumstances. Consider using a legalisation service. Employing a legalisation service could be advantageous for businesses handling numerous sensitive documents. These services handle the entire process, from notarisation to acquiring the apostille Certificate from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and any additional embassy or consular legalisation that may be necessary. This can save the company significant time and effort. Ensure document security. Sensitive documents often contain confidential 68 LAWYER MONTHLY JULY 2023
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