As we all undergo some form of social distancing, many people are using this time to prepare the documentation they need to protect their families in an emergency. And while you may use a tool like Gentreo to create your legally-binding online estate plan, one step remains – notarizing your documents – an essential part of estate planning.
While meeting a notary in their office can be a hassle, the good news is many notaries today are mobile and can meet you in your home, what is commonly known as a “mobile notary”.
For a notarization to be valid, you need to:
- Meet a notary in person
- Present a valid, state-issued ID
- Sign the document in front of the notary.
- The notary then has to sign to affirm, which they typically do in the form of a unique stamp assigned to them.
Any person who gets the relevant state certification can serve as a notary (subject to conflict of interest rules), and the notary can meet you anywhere that is convenient for both you and the notary. Many companies and individuals that offer notary services are willing to come to your home with a pre-scheduled appointment. Just call your preferred notary company, or search online for “mobile notaries”, and see if any are available to come to your home.
In larger cities this a common service that is relatively easy to find. It is becoming increasingly common in smaller jurisdictions as well.
If you are using the coronavirus pandemic as your reason to prepare, use our free family checklist. Gentreo can help you prepare an emergency card, healthcare proxy, power of attorney and will. With a mobile notary, you’ll get the documents you need to avoid panic.
Find out more about notarization
Don’t wait until it’s too late; start your estate planning journey with Gentreo today. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your loved ones but also gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your legacy is secure. Click here to join now https://private.gentreo.com/auth/register.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney or estate planning professional for personalized guidance.
