Frequently Asked Questions

Notary fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the document. Simple notarisations typically start from around €80–€120, while more complex documents such as powers of attorney or multi-page commercial agreements may cost more. Contact Hugh Phelan on (021) 489 7134 for a specific quote based on your requirements.

Yes, an appointment is strongly recommended to ensure Hugh Phelan can allocate sufficient time for your matter and prepare any necessary documents in advance. Call (021) 489 7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com to book. Same-day appointments may be available for urgent matters.

Most straightforward notarisations take between 15 and 30 minutes. More complex matters, such as multiple documents or detailed powers of attorney, may take up to an hour. Hugh Phelan will advise you on the expected duration when you book your appointment.

Same-day appointments are available when schedules permit, particularly for urgent matters. Call (021) 489 7134 during office hours or 086 390 7815 for urgent requests outside hours. Hugh Phelan makes every effort to accommodate time-sensitive notarisations.

You can book an appointment by calling (021) 489 7134 during office hours, by mobile on 086 390 7815, or by emailing info@phelansolicitors.com. Please include details of the document type, destination country, and any deadlines so Hugh can prepare in advance.

A notary public can notarise a wide range of documents including powers of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, property documents, commercial agreements, identity verifications, consent forms, and documents for use abroad. Hugh Phelan handles all standard notarial documents at his Douglas office.

You should bring valid photo identification (passport or driving licence), the original documents to be notarised, details of the destination country if the documents are for international use, and any instructions from your solicitor or the requesting party. Having these ready ensures your appointment runs smoothly.

Yes, preparing and notarising powers of attorney is one of the most common notarial services. This includes general powers of attorney, specific powers of attorney, and powers of attorney for use abroad. Hugh Phelan can draft, notarise, and arrange apostille services for powers of attorney at his Douglas office.

Yes, notarising documents for international use is a core function of a notary public. Hugh Phelan regularly handles documents destined for countries worldwide, including the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, EU member states, and beyond. He can also advise on any additional legalisation or apostille requirements for your destination country.

Yes, witnessing signatures is one of the fundamental functions of a notary public. Hugh Phelan can witness signatures on contracts, deeds, affidavits, statutory declarations, and any other legal documents. The notary verifies your identity and confirms you are signing voluntarily.

Yes, Hugh Phelan can provide notarised certified copies of original documents such as passports, birth certificates, academic qualifications, and other important records. Certified copies confirm that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document.

Yes, Hugh Phelan provides a full range of corporate notarial services including notarisation of board resolutions, company documents for international use, commercial contracts, and business agreements. He regularly assists Cork businesses with cross-border transactions and document authentication.

An apostille is a certificate issued under the Hague Convention that authenticates a document for use in another member country. You will need an apostille if the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention. Hugh Phelan can advise whether your document requires an apostille and assist with the application process.

Document legalisation is the process of authenticating a document so it is recognised as valid in another country. For Hague Convention countries, this is done via an apostille. For non-Hague countries, the document may need to be authenticated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the relevant embassy or consulate. Hugh Phelan can guide you through the entire process.

Hugh Phelan can notarise documents in foreign languages provided a certified translation is available or can be arranged. For documents in other languages, it is helpful to bring an English translation or let us know in advance so we can arrange a translator if required.

A commissioner for oaths can administer oaths and witness statutory declarations for use within Ireland. A notary public has broader powers and can prepare and authenticate documents for international use. Hugh Phelan is qualified as both, so he can advise which service you need based on where your document will be used.

Not exactly. While many notaries public in Ireland are also solicitors, the roles are distinct. A notary public is specifically appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland to authenticate documents for domestic and international use. Hugh Phelan holds both qualifications, which provides clients with comprehensive legal and notarial expertise.

The office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm. Saturday and Sunday the office is closed. For urgent matters outside office hours, Hugh Phelan can be contacted on his mobile at 086 390 7815.

Yes, there is on-street parking available on East Douglas Street and nearby roads. The Douglas Court Shopping Centre car park is also within a short walking distance of the office. Parking is generally easy to find in Douglas during business hours.

Hugh Phelan's office is in Douglas and serves clients from across Cork city and county, including Cork City Centre, Ballincollig, Carrigaline, Cobh, Midleton, Mallow, Kinsale, Bandon, Fermoy, Youghal, and Macroom. The Douglas office is centrally located and easily accessible from all areas.