Estate Planning and Notary Services: What You Need to Know

As a professional notary public in Portland, I often receive questions about estate planning services. It's important to understand both the scope and limitations of notary services in estate planning to ensure your documents are properly executed.

The Notary's Role in Estate Planning

While I can notarize estate planning documents, I cannot:

• Provide legal advice

• Draft legal documents

• Recommend specific estate planning strategies

• Choose which documents you need

What I Can Do

As your notary, I provide essential services for estate planning:

Document Authentication

I verify the identity of signers and ensure they're signing willingly and knowingly. This is crucial for documents such as:

• Wills

• Living trusts

• Power of attorney forms

• Advanced healthcare directives

• Property deeds

Witness Signatures

Many estate planning documents require not only notarization but also witnesses. I can coordinate this process to ensure all signatures meet legal requirements.

Mobile Service I offer convenient mobile notary services throughout Portland, making it easier for elderly clients or those with limited mobility to complete their estate planning documents.

The Importance of Legal Counsel

While I can notarize your estate planning documents, working with a qualified attorney to prepare these documents is strongly recommended. Estate planning involves complex legal decisions that require professional legal guidance.

Common Estate Planning Documents Requiring Notarization

Understanding which documents typically need notarization helps in planning:

• Last Will and Testament (in some cases)

• Living Trust documents

• Durable Power of Attorney

• Medical Power of Attorney

• Living Will

• Real Estate Deeds

The Notarization Process

When notarizing estate planning documents, I ensure:

• All signers are present with valid identification

• Everyone signs of their own free will

• All parties understand what they're signing

• The documents are properly completed

• All required witnesses are present

By understanding the role of a notary in estate planning, you can better prepare for document execution and ensure your estate planning needs are met correctly and legally.

Need your estate planning documents notarized? Contact me, Shavon, at (503)489-8519 to schedule a convenient appointment at your preferred location.

Don't delay securing your estate planning documents. Call (503)489-8519 now to schedule your notarization appointment with a trusted Portland notary