ESTATE PLAN SIGNINGS
Trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives.
Bridgette notarizes living trust documents, trust transfer deeds, powers of attorney and advance health care directives at your home, a parent's home or your attorney's office.
Bridgette is a notary public, not an attorney. She cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents.
Living trusts
When your attorney has your trust package ready, Bridgette comes to notarize the signatures that need a notary, such as the certification of trust and the deed that moves your home into the trust. Deeds take your right thumbprint in her journal.
- Certification of trust
- Trust transfer deed for your home
- Other living trust documents that need a notary
Powers of attorney
A durable power of attorney lets someone you trust act for you. In California it is signed before a notary or two qualified witnesses, and one used for real estate must be notarized to be recorded.
- Signed before a notary or two qualified witnesses
- Notarized when it is used for real estate
- Your right thumbprint in Bridgette's journal
Advance health care directives
An advance health care directive names who speaks for your medical care and records your wishes. In California it is notarized or signed by two qualified witnesses.
- Notarized, or signed by two qualified witnesses
- In a skilled nursing facility, a patient advocate or ombudsman also signs as a witness
- A current photo ID for the signer
Signing for a parent
The signer is the one who appears, shows a current photo ID and signs willingly. If a parent cannot travel, book with their town and a time window and Bridgette comes to them.
Questions families ask
Short answers about estate plan signings in California. Questions about what your documents say go to your estate planning attorney.
Will Bridgette explain my trust?
No. Bridgette notarizes your signatures; your estate planning attorney prepares and explains the documents. Keep their number handy on signing day.
Does a power of attorney need a notary in California?
It is signed before a notary or two qualified witnesses, and a power of attorney used for real estate must be notarized so it can be recorded. California also asks for your right thumbprint in Bridgette's journal.
Does an advance health care directive need a notary?
In California it is either notarized or signed by two qualified witnesses. In a skilled nursing facility, a patient advocate or ombudsman must also sign as a witness.
Can Bridgette come to my parent?
Ask when you book. Bridgette comes to the signer by appointment; your parent needs a valid photo ID and must understand and willingly sign the document.
Bridgette comes to you.
Book a time for you or a parent, and Bridgette brings her seal and journal to the signing.
Next: Everyday notary