Once you have documentation for your trust and/or Power of Attorney, the final step is to have the documents notarized in front of a Notary Public. As a Notary Public, here are some of the questions I hear most frequently:
Is there anything I need to do before meeting with a Notary Public to sign my trust or POA?
Review the contents in advance to make sure the details are correct. Pay special attention to who you’ve named as Trustees, Beneficiaries, and the assets you want to include.
How long does the Notary appointment for a trust and/or POA take?
A trust and POA appointment with a notary typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. Notary will verify ID of anyone’s signature being notarized and check the documents for completeness. Sometimes initials are sprinkled throughout the documents authorizing special instructions.
Should I wait to sign documents until the Notary is present?
The short answer is yes. Some documents allow you to sign in advance depending on which notarial certificate is attached. Acknowledgments and Jurats are the two most commonly used notarial certificates. If your notary has your documents in advance, they can advise you.
Are there any special requirements for Trusts and POA notarizations?
POA and any documentation relating to real estate requires a thumb print in CA. The Notary will record this in their journal before the completion of the appointment.
If a witness is required, can the Notary serve as one of my witnesses?
As long as the Notary is not notarizing the document, they can serve as a witness on forms requiring a witness signature. Your witness should be an impartial party that is not named in the documents.
How much does it cost to notarize my trust and/or POA?
Each signature notarized is $15. So, if you have five signatures that need to be notarized, your total would be $75 plus travel. Witness signatures are not charged.
How do I schedule my Notary appointment?
You can book online through this website or call/text (858) 461-9830. I am a Mobile Notary located in San Diego who travels to your location. 24/7 with advance notice.