Redoctober & Fiona
Thank you both - I was coming to the same conclusion myself!
Had hoped for something else, because I know that the "Notare" charge an arm and a leg. Still, if it must be...
Found a useful link for anyone else seeking this info in Germany:
http://www.deutsche-notarauskunft.de/You can find those who understand enough English to be able to "swear"

without translating the documents.
Thanks again