A trust or a will is a crucial document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your passing. It ensures that your wishes are honored, provides clarity for your loved ones, and reduces the potential for disputes. However, for these documents to be legally binding, they must be properly executed, and that often includes notarization.

At ProActive Mobile Notary we make the notarization process for trusts and wills simple, convenient, and stress-free. Whether you need our home-office notary services or want the flexibility of a mobile notary who comes directly to you, we’re here to provide professional, accurate, and reliable service.

How to Create a Trust or Will in Texas

Before you can notarize a trust or will, you need to create the document itself. There are a couple of common ways to do this:

1. Create a Trust or Will Online

You can use online platforms like WillsandTrust.com to create a legally compliant trust or will. These platforms guide you step-by-step through the process and are a great option for individuals with straightforward estate planning needs. You can draft your document at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. Once you’ve completed your document, the final step is to have it notarized for it to be legally binding.

2. Consult an Attorney for Complex Situations

If your estate planning is more complex—such as if you have multiple properties, businesses, or specific family dynamics—it’s advisable to consult an experienced attorney who specializes in estate planning. An attorney can provide personalized guidance, draft a customized trust or will, and ensure that your documents comply with all legal requirements in your state.

Once your trust or will is drafted, the final step is to have it properly signed and notarized.

A Friendly Reminder

While we’re experts in notarization, it’s important to remember that we are not a law firm and are unable to provide legal advice. We’re here to ensure your documents are notarized accurately and in compliance with the law, but for specific legal guidance, we recommend consulting with an attorney.

Texas Notary Embosser Seal Available

A notary embossed on a document provides a significant benefit by adding an extra layer of security against forgery, as the raised impression is difficult to replicate and clearly indicates the document has been officially notarized, thus enhancing its authenticity and legal validity; essentially making it harder to tamper with the document without noticeable damage.

Key points about a notary embossed seal:

• Fraud prevention

• Visual verification

• Professional appearance

• Legal standing

Traveling Notary For Estate Planning Lawyers

We work with lawyers frequently when a notary public signature is needed to legalize documents. Do you need a notary to visit your client at their house or workplace? No problem, we will travel to them at your request.

Estate Planning Checklist

Components of an Estate Plan

An estate plan is not just a set of documents; it's a meticulous blueprint that outlines the details on the management and distribution of your assets, ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation. No estate plans are the same, and a reputable estate planning attorney can help draft the documents based on your situation. However, there are some key components that every estate should contain.

Last Will and Testament:

The foundation of your estate plan, your last will and testament articulates how your assets will be distributed after your passing. This document provides clarity and specificity, avoiding potential disputes among beneficiaries.

Living Will:

Unlike the last will, a living will comes into play while you're still alive. It outlines your preferences regarding medical treatment in case you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes.

Power of Attorney:

This document designates someone to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. It's a crucial tool for maintaining control over your affairs.

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Similar to a power of attorney but specifically for healthcare decisions. This document appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

Revocable Living Trust:

Offering flexibility and privacy, a revocable living trust allows you to manage and distribute your assets, what to do with your property, mortgages while maintaining control your lifetime.

What Is A Notary's Role In Estate Planning?

Let's talk about the power of notarization within the real of estate planning. Picture it as the seal of assurance, elevating your document to a level of credibility that withstands legal scrutiny. Notarizing your estate plan with ProActive Mobile Notary Services ensures that:

Authentication is Paramount

Each signature and document is authenticated by a skilled notary, providing an additional layer of security against potential disputes.

Legal Requirements are Met

Certain documents within an estate plan, such as the last will and power of attorney, often require notarizations to meet legal standards. ProActive Mobile Notary Services ensures these standards are met with precision.

Witness and Notary Go Hand-in-Hand

Some documents may require both witnessing and notarizing. Our notary services could also help facilitate up to two witnesses if you are unable to find one or two witnesses to ensure your documents adhere to all necessary formalities.

Will and Living Trust Notary

Wills generally don't need to be notarized in order to be legally binding, however, they do require witnesses. Generally, it is recommended that the witnesses to the Will be disinterested, which means that they are not beneficiaries of the Will.

We Can Be Your Witnesses

Not having witnesses sign your estate planning documents such as a will or trust could lead to potential problems when the said time comes to use such documents.

A will can be challenged if there is reason to believe its authenticity is questioned. Avoid such headaches by using ProActive Mobile Notary to help you facilitate witnesses to streamline signing your will or trust.

Call us today at 515-238-6201
​Email us at notaryhannah@gmail.com

Why Witnesses Are Needed?

Witnesses provide verification that the individual voluntarily made decisions regarding end-of-life care. The role of witnesses in estate planning documents is fundamental, serving as a safeguard against potential challenges to the validity of the documents and ensuring that the wishes of the individual are accurately reflected

Who Can Act As A Witness?

Witnesses should generally be individuals who are not beneficiaries named in the will. Witnesses are usually individuals who are not named as attorneys-in-fact in the document.

The number of witnesses may vary, and in some cases, notarization alone may suffice. Witnesses add an extra layer of assurance that the principal (person granting power) executed the document willingly and with capacity.

It’s important to note that the specific witnessing requirements can vary by state, and individuals should consult local laws or seek legal advice from an estate planning attorney to ensure compliance. The role of witnesses in estate planning documents is fundamental, serving as a safeguard against potential challenges to the validity of the documents and ensuring that the wishes of the individual are accurately reflected.

Why Choose Our Estate Plan Notary Services?

At ProActive Mobile Notary, we understand that estate plan notarization demands precision, professionalism, and a great deal of attention to detail. ​
As your dedicated mobile notary in Houston, we bring a wealth of experience to ensure that every document is executed accurately, securely, and on time.

Call ProActive Mobile Notary

Ready to experience stress-free estate plan document signings? Contact us at 515-238-6201 to schedule your appointment with us. We are here to make your transactions as smooth as possible.

Location Charges

Hospitals, 30 minutes service - $50

Nursing Homes, Assisted Livings, Memory Care, 30 minutes service - $40

Jails, Detention Centers, 1 hour at location - $125

Longer than 30 minutes wait (so please prepare ahead to avoid any delay) - ​$30

​Parking fees (i.e. hospital parking, etc.) - $5 flat fee

Travel Fees

For all mobile services travel from 4414 Plum Forest Road, 77084

Starting at as low as $20

Monday through Friday
Regular Hours 9AM - 5PM
Rush Hours 5PM - 7:30PM + $25

Saturday & Sunday
Regular Hours 9AM - 5PM + $20
Rush Hours 5PM - 7:30 + $30

FEDERAL HOLIDAYS + $10

Longer than 30 minutes wait (so please prepare ahead to avoid any delay) - ​$30

Yes, it is a common practice in the mobile notary industry. If a notary travels to a location and the signer cancels, the notary may charge 100% of the travel and printing fees. These fees are typically a fixed cost, and the notary will have incurred expenses (travel time, gas) even if the notarization doesn't happen.

Quote/Fees:
Fees are calculated for services to be performed and the following expenses are considered: The time and traffic it takes to travel to location, the fuel prices, printing supplies, vehicle insurance, vehicle wear and tear, errors & omissions insurance, notary bond insurance and other expenses related to operating a business.