Justices of the Peace (JPs) volunteer to serve the public by signing documents that need a qualified witness.
There is a JP available at the office Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
A Justice of the Peace can
- Witness documents
- Witness statutory declarations
- Witness affidavits
- Witness and administer oaths and affirmations
- Certify a true copy of an original document.
What to expect from a Justice of the Peace
- A fair and indiscriminate experience
- That their personal beliefs won’t impact their witnessing duties
- A free witnessing service
- Respect for your privacy and confidentiality
You won’t receive legal advice—they are not legally qualified to advise you on legal matters.
You will be questioned to ensure you understand the document you are bringing.
They can refuse to sign or witness a document if they are not satisfied you understand it.
What a Justice of the Peace expects of you
In return, a Justice of the Peace expects that you will:
- Understand the form you are asking them to witness, and its consequences
- Bring all required identification and supporting documents
- Be patient—JPs are volunteers giving their time to assist you
- Respect the time they spend assisting you.
If you need a signature witnessed, do not bring pre-signed documents.
The Justice of the Peace needs to see the signing take place.
A Justice of the Peace will not witness a blank document.
