Is your attorney qualified to meet your specific needs?

1. Attorney: The Legal All Rounder

An attorney is a qualified legal professional who has been admitted to practice law by the Legal Practice Council. Attorneys can:

• Offer legal advice
• Draft legal documents
• Represent clients in court
• Handle a wide range of legal issues (like contracts, wills, disputes, divorces, etc.)

Most legal matters start with an attorney. However, for certain specialized services, further qualifications are required.

2. Notary: The Legal Witness with Authority

A notary (or notary public) is a practicing attorney who has been specially admitted by the High Court to perform certain legal tasks, including:

• Authenticating and certifying documents for local and international use
• Drafting notarial documents (like antenuptial contracts)
• Witnessing the signing of important legal paperwork

Notarial services are essential when documents need to be recognized abroad, or when the law requires extra authentication.

3. Conveyancer: The Property Law Expert

A conveyancer is a specialized attorney who has passed an additional examination to be certified to:

• Legally transfer ownership of property
• Register bonds and servitudes
• Lodge documents at the Deeds Office

If you're buying or selling a property, you’ll need a conveyancer to ensure the transaction is done legally and correctly.

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Can One Person Be All Three?

Yes! Many legal professionals qualify in multiple areas. A single attorney can also be a notary and a conveyancer, provided they’ve completed the necessary examinations and registrations.

This means you don’t necessarily need to visit three separate people. You can often work with one qualified professional who can handle everything from your property transfer to your notarial documents.

Every person has the responsibility to appoint the correct legal professional for the task at hand. Here's a quick guide:

Before hiring a legal professional, ask whether they are admitted as a notary or conveyancer if your matter requires it.

Legal work is all about precision, so getting the right professional for the job is not just smart, it’s essential.

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