Justice of Peace FAQ

JUSTICE OF PEACE FAQs

A Justice of Peace (JP) is an independent person appointed by the Department of Justice in Victoria.

The role is a volunteer one and the JP does not get paid to fulfil its role.

The Justice of Peace can perform very specific functions only.

In summary, a Justice of Peace (JP) can:

– Attest the execution of a document

– Witness a statutory declaration

– Certify a true copy of an original document

– Certify a person’s identity

No, it is illegal for a Justice of Peace to charge fees.

You can “find a Justice of Peace” by searching a suburb, name, postcode, language or “find a signing

station” (where there are JP’s on roster) if you search at the Department of Justice website:

http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/home/justice+system/legal+assistance/justice+of+the+peace/

Yes, you can find them by searching the Portuguese language in the website.

If you can’t find one near you, we can recommend a Brazilian JP:

Maria Renata Younger (JP) – mob: 0413 180 768 (call to arrange an appointment)

No, ABRISA does not employ or manage the Brazilian JP. However, ABRISA makes the office available

should she need to meet to complete any functions of the role. (eg meet someone to certify

documents).

A Notary Public is usually a practising solicitor or attorney. A Notary Public not only take oaths, signs

and witness documents for use in Australia but also perform similar functions in respect of

international documents. They often charge a fee for their services.

Documents signed by a Victorian JP are commonly for use within the Australian jurisdiction.

Sometimes, the Brazilian Embassy in Canberra will state that the document may be signed/certified

by a JP. In that case, the document would be accepted by the Embassy.