Assisting the community during covid-19 lockdown

21 July 2021…

While we are in lockdown, things still need to get done.

I’ve noticed a need for people to still get documents witnessed and certified, and that they are finding it difficult to locate a Justice of the Peace or lawyer to help them do that.

As a lawyer, I consider this to be a public service.

Because I am working from home at the moment, I’m unable to offer this service face to face in my community, due to the provisions of the Public Health (COVID-19 Temporary Movement and Gathering Restrictions) Order 2021 (as at 19 July 2021). I am not permitted to have visitors to my residence, where I am working.

I have some alternatives that work.

For certification of original documents, you can make an appointment to leave these in an envelope in my mailbox, send me a message or call me, and I will come and get the documents, certify the copies, and bring them back out for your collection. I am based in Stanmore. To make one of these appointments book here.

For witnessing of documents, the legislation currently in force is the Electronic Transactions Act, which has been amended by the Stronger Communities Legislation Amendment (Courts and Civil) Act 2020, to allow a document (such as a statutory declaration) to be witnessed over audio visual link, in counterpart. To make an appointment for witnessing over audio visual link, and to receive all the instructions you will need, book here.

If you do not need your documents urgently, you may be able to wait until current restrictions are eased by the NSW Government to allow me to offer this service in an open air setting, on my porch. At some point, I might even return to my office!

I’m offering this to members of my local community and do not have unlimited capacity - please don’t share this page.