What is a Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore
Difference between Notary Public and Commissioner for Oaths
Unlike a Singapore Notary Public, a Singapore Commissioner of Oaths, does not need to be a lawyer. Both lawyer and non-lawyer Singapore Commissioners of Oaths must meet stringent requirements and be appointed by the Singapore Board of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public. If you would like your business or legal matters to go smoothly in Singapore, hiring a reputable company for these services is a must.
Before a person may give evidence in Singapore, he or she must be sworn in under “oath” or “affirmation.” As oaths are based on religion, the choice to affirm is available to non-believers or religious objectors. Examples of Proceedings Requiring a Commissioner of Oaths in Singapore:
- Family court matters
- Taking of affidavits
- Justification for bail and bail bonds
- Examination of Witnesses
- Executors and administrators
- Other similar proceedings
The functions of a Commissioner of Oaths in Singapore will vary based on other qualifications. The taking of affidavits, swearing in of executors and administrators, and taking and receiving statutory declarations, must be done by a lawyer. Government employees are subject to some specific limitations that are stated on their certificate, and are usually only allowed to work with documents from their own agency. Singapore Commissioners of Oaths who are also court interpreters are subject to the limitations spelled out in Section 68 of the Supreme Court of Judicature Act (SCJA.)
Fees for Singapore Commissioners of Oaths are regulated by the Senate of the Singapore Academy of Law, and set forth in the Schedule to the Commissioner for Oaths Rules. The basic fees can be supplemented if travel is required outside of the Commissioner’s office. It is also allowed to charge an additional fee for interpreting, translating, or reading aloud the document contents.