Estate Planning Notary Services

Do wills need to be notarized in California?
Generally, a California will does not need to be notarized. California law generally requires a written will to be signed by the person making the will and witnessed by at least two people who understand that the document is the person's will. Notarization does not replace the witness requirement.
Estate planning packages often contain other documents that may require notarization, such as trusts, Powers of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directives, certifications of trust, affidavits, or deeds.

I do not determine how a will or estate plan should be executed. Please follow the instructions provided by your estate planning attorney or document preparer.

Do estate planning documents need to be notarized?
Some estate planning documents require or commonly include notarization, while others may have different execution requirements.
Your attorney or document preparer should identify which documents require notarization and which notarial act is needed before your appointment.

Can you notarize a trust, Power of Attorney, or Advance Health Care Directive?
Yes. I provide mobile notarization for attorney-prepared estate planning documents, including revocable living trusts, Powers of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directives, certifications of trust, trust amendments, affidavits, deeds, and related documents throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County.
For Advance Health Care Directives specifically, California law provides execution options involving witnesses or acknowledgment before a notary, subject to the applicable requirements.

Can you come to my home for an estate planning signing?
Yes. I travel to homes, law offices, hospitals, senior living communities, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, care facilities, and business offices throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County.

Do you provide witnesses for estate planning documents?
Witness coordination may be available when arranged in advance for $50 per witness.
Please confirm the number of witnesses and any witness qualifications or requirements with your attorney or document preparer before scheduling.

What does each signer need for the appointment?
Each signer must have acceptable identification under California law and be willing and able to communicate and participate in the notarization.
Documents should be complete and ready for signing, and any required witnesses should be arranged before the appointment.

Can you tell me whether I need an acknowledgment or jurat?
No. As a California Notary Public, I cannot select the notarial act or provide legal advice.
If your document does not contain notarial wording or instructions, please contact your attorney, document preparer, or receiving agency to determine which notarial act is required.

How much does an estate planning notary appointment cost?
Estate planning signing packages start at $175 for an individual and $225 for a couple.
Mobile travel fees are additional and vary by appointment location. Optional witness coordination is $50 per witness.

Do you notarize living trusts?
Yes. I provide mobile notarization for attorney-prepared revocable living trusts, trust amendments, certifications of trust, and related estate planning documents throughout San Mateo County and Santa Clara County.

Can a notary notarize a Power of Attorney?
Yes. I provide mobile notarization for Powers of Attorney as part of estate planning signing appointments or as individual notary appointments.
The document should be complete and ready for signing, and the signer or document preparer should identify the required notarial act.