Answer to Question #17

A client presents a foreign document requiring that their signature be witnessed.

The form does not specify whether a New Zealand Justice of the Peace is an acceptable witness. What is the most appropriate action?

1. 1. Ask to see ID, then witness the client’s signature.
   2. Politely decline, explaining that witnessing foreign documents is beyond a JP’s jurisdiction.
   3. Advise the client to seek guidance from the relevant embassy or consulate.

Answer a 

Rationale: A NZ Justice of the Peace is seen by most organisations as a trusted person to witness a signature from a client.

Ask to see the client’s identification, and perhaps note on the form the type of identification used. Eg “UK Passport”