What do I need to know?
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a qualified lawyer and is appointed by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury. There are about 800 Notaries working in the UK.
Should I sign documents prior to a meeting?
No. This can complicate matters further so do not sign documents until you’ve consulted Paul.
What is acceptable evidence of public records?
Only original certificates (as opposed to copies) are acceptable means of proof of public records such as birth, marriage and death.
Do I need to meet in-person?
Yes. An in-person meeting at the BPE office will be required.
Can you advise me beyond direct Notarial certification?
No. Our Notarial responsibility extends only to the Notarial formalities themselves. We will not give advice for the drafting or effect of any documents which we have not prepared.
Meet our Public Notary
Paul Engelbrecht
Latest news
Understanding Statutory Demands
Statutory Demands are powerful legal tools — but if handled incorrectly, they can lead to serious financial and legal consequences. Whether you're a creditor considering insolvency proceedings or a debtor facing a demand, getting the right legal advice is critical from the very beginning.
Can an Adult Child Challenge a Will?
Most people assume that once a will is written, its terms are final. But the law can sometimes step in if a will leaves someone without the financial support they reasonably need. That’s exactly what happened in the recent case of Isaacs v Green (2025).
Have you been served with a statutory demand?
A statutory demand is a formal legal notice requiring repayment of a debt. For companies, it applies to debts over £750, and for individuals, debts over £5,000. If ignored, it can quickly lead to winding up proceedings or bankruptcy. This guide explains how statutory demands work and what to do if you receive one.
Owed Money by an Individual or Company? How a Statutory Demand Could Help
When it comes to debt recovery, few legal tools are as direct and effective as a statutory demand. When you are owed money, understanding the process and the strict time limits involved in sending a statutory demand can be vital in increasing the chances of successful recovery. Used correctly, they can provide a swift and powerful route to resolution.
Inheritance Tax Investigations Are Rising — Why Executors Shouldn’t Go It Alone
This article explores what executors and other personal representatives need to know in 2025, and why professional support is often essential.
Lasting Powers of Attorney – Breaking the ‘Next of Kin’ Myth
It is widely believed that your next of kin has an automatic entitlement to manage your affairs for you if you become unable to. In reality, although your next of kin may be asked for their input, they do not have any specific legal rights to make decisions on your behalf. In this article, Ruby Christie discusses the importance of setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney to grant those you trust with the legal standing to manage your affairs.
Government proposes to ban upwards only rent reviews for new commercial leases
Most commercial leases include rent reviews every few years. Traditionally, these are “upwards only”, meaning rents can rise or remain the same but never fall. Reviews are usually linked to open market rent or inflation. While this protects landlords from declining rental values, it often leaves tenants paying above-market rents during downturns. For businesses, particularly in the retail sector, this can create financial pressure at already challenging times.
Companies House is Changing: What Your Business Needs to Know
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (“ECCTA”) represents one of the most significant shifts in company regulation in a generation. It empowers Companies House to move from a passive filing service to an active regulator – one able to challenge, reject, and even remove inaccurate or misleading company data. For businesses and their advisers, this means a new era of transparency, accountability, and enforcement.
