Meet The Team

Ana Afonso – Notary Public, Solicitor & Mediator

Ana is the heart of Castelo Notaries as she founded both Castelo Notaries and Castelo Solicitors in 2013. 

She completed her Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at BPP Manchester in 2006 and 2007 respectively and qualified as a Solicitor of England and Wales in 2009. She then qualified as a Notary Public at the University College London in 2013

Fluent in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French, Ana assists a number of clients with cross-border legal issues, particularly in Portugal where she is registered as a solicitor with the Portuguese ‘Ordem dos Advogados’.

Maria Reche – Spanish Lawyer

Maria qualified as a Spanish lawyer in 2011 and holds a Masters Degree in Law. She has been practicing as a Lawyer in London since 2018.

She specialises in cross-border Spanish & English legal matters, having particular expertise on cross-border estates, taxes, wills & probate.

Maria is also a CIOL qualified Spanish-English legal translator and serves as counsel providing Anglo-Spanish legal services.

Cely Duarte – Notarial Assistant and Assistant Accountant

As well as being a notarial assistant, Cely assists with the accounting department.

She is experienced with drafting Brazilian & Portuguese documents having worked in Brazilian and Portuguese Notary firms for ten years.

Alcina Maciel – Executive Assistant

Alcina is an invaluable member to the team at Castelo Notaries with many years of experience supporting the Director and Legal team with client account management and the day-to-day running here at Castelo Notaries.

Alcina joined us after spending a number of years working in the Advertising industry.

Kitty Wright – Notarial Assistant

Kitty is our office assistant helping to ensure the smooth running of the firm and providing secretarial assistance.

While with us, Kitty has qualified in Business Admin level 3.

She is an experienced customer assistant and facilitates the handling of all enquiries.

Iara Fernandes – Notarial Assistant

Iara has been with us since 2019, assisting with handling enquiries and dealing with FCO and Embassies. She has also qualified in Business Admin level 3.

She is Bilingual in English and Portuguese so if you need our Portuguese services, Iara can help ensure you are fully supported in whatever language you’re most comfortable using.

Gracie Coppell – Marketing Manager

Gracie keeps our website up to date, writes content and looks after our social media.

Sir Snowie – Good Boy

Sir Snowie is our unofficial mascot here at Castelo Notaries, where he is a regular in the office, in charge of greeting visitors and providing emotional support.