Access to reliable notarial services is increasingly important for individuals and businesses involved in international transactions, overseas property dealings, migration matters, and foreign legal processes. As global mobility and cross-border commerce continue to expand, the need for properly authenticated documentation has become essential.
Local legal practitioner John Tomaras*, Principal of Acme Consulting, is helping meet that demand by providing professional Notary Public services to the community.
Experienced Legal and Notarial Expertise
John Tomaras is an Australian lawyer and Notary Public with more than 25 years’ experience advising individuals, businesses, and international clients across commercial, corporate, and property matters. Through his practice, he regularly assists clients dealing with overseas jurisdictions, foreign documentation, and international transactions, and is known for his precision, discretion, and attention to legal formality.
His work supports both private individuals and corporate clients navigating complex cross-border legal requirements.
The Role of a Notary Public
A Notary Public plays a critical role in verifying, authenticating, and certifying documents intended for use overseas. Notaries are appointed by the Supreme Court of the State or Territory in which they practise, and in New South Wales operate under the Public Notaries Act 1997 (NSW) and the Public Notaries Appointment Rules 1998 (NSW).
Notaries are often described as “international justices of the peace.” However, their function is distinct and more specialised — focusing primarily on documents required by foreign courts, governments, institutions, and international authorities.
Australian Notaries Public are recognised internationally and serve as trusted officers whose certification assists in ensuring documents are accepted across borders.
Legislative Framework and International Recognition
The authority of a Notary Public is grounded in State legislation and the inherent supervisory jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Their acts carry evidentiary weight internationally because
of the formal appointment process and the requirement that they act independently and impartially.
The Hague Apostille Convention
Australia is a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (1961). Under this framework:
- A notarised document can be issued with an Apostille certificate by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- The Apostille confirms the authenticity of the Notary’s signature and seal.
- Documents bearing an Apostille are recognised in all member countries without further consular legalisation.
This process simplifies international transactions and reduces administrative barriers for individuals and businesses operating across borders.
Recognition in Commonwealth and Other Jurisdictions
Notarial acts are also widely recognised across Commonwealth countries and other international jurisdictions due to shared legal traditions, procedural standards, and established diplomatic and legal frameworks. This recognition supports:
- Overseas property transactions
- International commercial agreements
- Estate and succession matters abroad
- Corporate dealings in foreign markets
Key Notarial Services Available
Local notarial services typically include:
- Authentication and certification of documents for international use
- Witnessing and notarisation of affidavits, statutory declarations, and powers of attorney
- Certification of identity documents, contracts, deeds, and corporate records
- Preparation and issuing of notarial certificates and formal acts required by foreign jurisdictions
- Verification of company documents, ASIC records, and corporate authorities
- Assistance with Apostille applications and consular legalisation processes
For businesses and corporations, Notaries may also authenticate company status, witness commercial documentation, and assist with international transactions, land dealings, and overseas estate matters.
Preparation and Certification of Legal Documents
Notarial work often extends beyond witnessing signatures. It may include preparing legal documents such as:
- Powers of attorney
- Agreements and contracts
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Deeds and formal instruments for overseas use
Notaries may also administer oaths, certify true copies of original documents, exemplify official records, and provide certificates relating to Australian law and legal practice where required by foreign authorities.
These services are particularly important for individuals managing overseas property, migration matters, business interests, or family affairs in other countries.
Independence, Impartiality, and Professional Standards
Notary Public services are provided independently and impartially, ensuring documentation complies with strict legal and formal requirements for acceptance overseas. The integrity of the notarial process is essential to maintaining international confidence in Australian legal documentation.
Services are recognised both within Australia and internationally, supporting clients who require documentation for use in countries such as Greece and other global jurisdictions.
Supporting a Globalised Community
As international mobility, cross-border investment, and global family connections continue to grow, access to qualified Notary Public services remains essential. Individuals, families, and businesses rely on notarial certification to ensure their documents are properly authenticated and legally recognised abroad.
Local access to experienced notarial services provides confidence, efficiency, and compliance with international legal requirements.
to reliable notarial services is becoming increasingly important for individuals and businesses engaged in international transactions, overseas property matters, and foreign legal processes. Local legal practitioner John Tomaras, Principal of Acme Consulting, is helping meet that demand by providing professional notary public services to the community.
Experienced Legal and Notarial Expertise
John Tomaras is an Australian lawyer and Notary Public with more than 25 years’ experience advising individuals, businesses, and international clients across commercial, corporate, and property matters. Through his work, he regularly assists clients dealing with overseas jurisdictions, foreign documentation, and international transactions, and is known for his precision, discretion, and attention to legal formality.
What a Notary Public Does
Notaries Public play a critical role in verifying, authenticating, and certifying documents for use overseas. Appointed by the Supreme Court under the Public Notaries Act 1997 (NSW) and the Public Notaries Appointment Rules 1998, a notary is often described as an “international justice of the peace,” as much of their work involves documentation required for foreign authorities, courts, and institutions.
Australian Notaries Public are appointed by the Supreme Court of the relevant State or Territory in which they practise. Their services are recognised internationally and support both individuals and corporations navigating cross-border legal requirements.
Key Notarial Services Available
Local notarial services typically include:
- Authentication and certification of documents for international use
- Witnessing and notarisation of affidavits, statutory declarations, and powers of attorney
- Certification of identity documents, contracts, deeds, and corporate records
- Notarial certificates and acts required by foreign jurisdictions
- Verification of company documents, ASIC records, and corporate authorities
- Assistance with apostilles and consular legalisation processes
For businesses and corporations, notaries may also witness documents, authenticate company status, and assist with international transactions, land dealings, and estate matters overseas.
Preparation and Certification of Legal Documents
Notarial work often extends beyond witnessing signatures. It can include preparing legal documents such as powers of attorney, agreements, wills, deeds, and contracts for use internationally. Notaries may also administer oaths, certify true copies of documents, exemplify official records, and provide certificates as to Australian law and legal practice.
These services are particularly important for individuals dealing with overseas property, migration matters, business interests, or family affairs in other countries.
Independent, Impartial, and Internationally Recognised
Notary Public services are provided independently and impartially, ensuring documents meet strict legal and formal requirements for acceptance overseas. Services are recognised both within Australia and internationally, supporting clients who require documentation for use in countries such as Greece and other jurisdictions.
As global mobility and cross-border transactions continue to grow, access to qualified notarial services remains essential for the local community, businesses, and individuals needing their documents properly authenticated for use abroad
JOHN TOMARAS is a lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in commercial law, corporate advisory and dispute resolution. If you need advice on a legal matter, you can reach John at Acme Consulting on (02) 8076 6001 or info@acmeconsult.com.au