The value of having an advance health care directive/Healthcare proxy.

As individuals age, their vulnerability increases, making it vital to have legally sound documents that protect their interests. Notary services for senior citizens play a crucial role in this process. A notary public serves as an impartial witness to the signing of important legal documents, ensuring their authenticity and that they are executed under free will, without coercion. This becomes particularly significant for the elderly, who may be more susceptible to undue influence or fraud. Notarization of important documents provides a layer of protection, offering peace of mind that documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are legally enforceable. Moreover, a notary’s presence ensures that seniors fully understand the content and implications of the documents they are signing, safeguarding their autonomy and wishes

Step 1: Check Patient/Signer Has an Acceptable Form of ID: At the notary appointment, the patient/signer(s) needs to present Unexpired, Government Issued, Photo Identification.  A Copy or photograph of ID is not permitted.  

Step 2: Prepare & Assemble Documents: Please have all documents requiring notarization prepared, filled out & assembled before notary arrives. 

A. Please do not sign, date, or fill out notarial certificate portion of the document. 

B. Make sure document matches the patient/signer ID 

C. Check their Requirements for signing: Some documents may require additional witnesses. 

Step 3: Determine Mental Ability to Sign: To ensure a successful notary appointment, the patient/signer will need to be awake, alert & aware of documents that they are signing. The signer cannot be under the influence of mind-altering substances such as: anesthesia, alcohol, marijuana products, medications, or mind alerting medications.  A notarization can be refused by law, for any patient/signer that appears to be mentally unsound, incapacitated or unduly pressured. Mind altering substances: medications, alcohol, etc., must be withheld 1 hour minimum, prior to notary arrival. 

Step 4: Determine Physical Ability to Sign: The patient/signer will need to be able to independently sign the document.  Unsteady or “messy” signatures can be notarized. If the patient is struggling with their signature, due to medical condition/weakened state, they can independently sign their name with an X or just a mark. This mark will require additional witnesses. 2 credible witnesses will need to be present with acceptable ID for proper notarization.  

Step 5: Determine if Credible Witnesses are needed:  Please read your document to determine whether you will need additional witness(es). Have any witnesses present and ready to produce valid ID before notary arrival. The notary is unable to act as one of these witnesses. The notary will have to verify ID, record the witness(s) via a notarial journal & obtain signature from each. Important notes:  

        A - In most instances, credible witnesses cannot be related to by blood or marriage, benefit from or named in the documents(s) being signed. 

        B - Please check with facility staff before notarization. Many facilities have policies that prohibit staff from acting as  credible witnesses due to liability concerns. It is your obligation to find & provide additional credible witnesses (if  needed).

If you are unable to secure credible witnesses, we can provide them.  A 24-hour minimum  advanced notice is needed.  Additional fees will apply. 

Step 6: Schedule Your Notary Appointment:  *Please Read Terms of Service & Obligation of Legal Notice:  

Once you have reviewed the steps above, please schedule a mobile notary appointment by calling 419-792-5525 or by requesting an appointment via Email Sharpseal@proton.me 

Step 7. Set the patient/signer up for success: Ensure the patient/signer is comfortable & has any personal items readily available to them to ease the process of notarization: Identification, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, purse/wallet.  For the non-mobile clients, we can come directly to the bedside. For those who are mobile/wheelchair & in a care facility, you may want to utilize the common area.  These areas usually have tables that the signer/notary/witnesses can spread out if there are multiple documents or extra witnesses needed. Make copies, give to person(s) or entity requesting documents, keep originals in a safe place. 

Sharp Seal Notary LLC Copyrighted – Cannot be reproduced without authorization.