The embassy provides notarial services for documents to be used in Sierra Leone, alongside its authentication and civil registration work. Sierra Leone is a common law jurisdiction, so powers of attorney follow a pattern an American lawyer will recognise.
Quick facts
Land is the usual reason and the area needing most care: Sierra Leone operates different land tenure systems in the Western Area around Freetown and in the provinces, where customary tenure applies and outright freehold is not generally available to non-natives of the area.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power of attorney | Published tariff | General or specific |
| Affidavit or declaration | Published tariff | Per document |
| Funeral and repatriation documents | $100 | Defined service |
| Registration in Sierra Leone | Charged there | Where required |
| Lawyer’s fees in Freetown | Agreed with the firm | Drafting and completion |
Inheritance is the other frequent reason, and family members spread across several countries often each need their own instrument.
How to apply
- Instruct a lawyer in Freetown to draft the instrument for the specific matter.
- Establish which land tenure system applies to the property.
- Gather the identity details of everyone named.
- Attend during consular hours with the unsigned document.
- Sign before the consular officer and pay by money order.
- Courier the original to Sierra Leone and keep a scan.
Required documents
- Sierra Leonean passport or other identification.
- The unsigned draft from Freetown.
- Full details of the person receiving the authority.
- Land or case references.
- Evidence of relationship for inheritance matters.
- Money order for the fee.
Where to apply
At the embassy in Washington, during consular hours.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
Two land systems
What is possible in the Western Area differs from what is possible in the provinces. Establish which applies before granting authority over anything.
Family land
Undivided family property is common and often cannot be dealt with by one relative, however the instrument is worded.
Be specific
Name the property and the acts authorised as precisely as the local records allow.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further instrument through the same route, with notice to whoever holds the original.