The Essential Guide to Mobile Notary Services for Estate Planning in Los Angeles: Notarizing Wills, Trusts & Powers of Attorney

Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored. However, getting the necessary documents notarized can feel like an obstacle, especially for seniors, individuals with mobility challenges, busy professionals, and families juggling multiple schedules.

That’s where a mobile notary becomes your secret weapon! With more than 23 years of experience, Notary Long Beach - Mobile Notary & Apostille brings professional notary services directly to you—whether at home, in a hospital, or an attorney’s office—making estate planning manageable, dignified, and stress-free.

Let’s explore how our mobile notary service can help you finalize your estate planning documents with ease.

Estate Planning Documents That Require Notarization

Not sure which documents in your estate plan need a notary’s official seal? Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Last Will and Testament

While California doesn't strictly require wills to be notarized, some attorneys add a notarized self-proving affidavit which can make things easier for your loved ones later. This notarized statement confirms your will was properly signed and witnessed, potentially allowing it to move through probate without requiring witness testimony.

2. Living Trusts

A revocable living trust helps you avoid probate and provides for management of your assets if you become incapacitated. In California, notarization is required for trust documents, particularly those involving real estate property.

3. Powers of Attorney

Both Financial and Healthcare Powers of Attorney must be notarized to be legally binding:

• Financial Power of Attorney: Grants someone the authority to manage your finances.

  
  

• Healthcare Power of Attorney or Advance Health Care Directive: Appoints a trusted individual to make medical decisions for you.

  
  

These documents are critical for protecting your interests. Professional notarization ensures they will be honored when needed most.

4. Real Estate Deeds

Transferring property into a trust? Changing ownership? In California, real estate deeds must be notarized before they can be recorded with the County Recorder's office.

Reasons to Choose Notary Long Beach for Estate Planning Notarization

• Convenience for Seniors and Those with Limited Mobility

Traveling to a notary’s office can be challenging for seniors, people with disabilities, or individuals recovering from surgery. Our mobile notary service eliminates this barrier, allowing you to complete the process in your home, attorney's office or care facility.

• Family-Friendly Scheduling

Estate planning often requires the presence of family members. Our flexible scheduling—including evenings and weekends—ensures that your loved ones can be there when it matters most.

• Privacy and Comfort

Estate planning involves sensitive personal and financial information. Having these documents notarized in a private setting rather than a public notary office provides discretion and comfort during what can be an emotional process.

We understand the sensitive nature of estate planning and approach each appointment with professionalism, respect, and compassion.

• Reduced Stress and Confusion

A familiar setting can reduce anxiety, especially for seniors who might feel overwhelmed by legal paperwork. Being at home allows you to:

• Take your time

• Have reference materials nearby

• Feel comfortable asking questions

• Professional Guidance Through the Process

We have specialized training and have earned the Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent (CNDTA) designation. This ensures every signature, seal, and formality in your estate planning documents are handled correctly—giving you peace of mind.

What to Expect: The Mobile Notary Process for Estate Planning

1. Schedule Your Appointment

We’ll discuss:

• Which documents need notarization

• Your preferred time and location

• Special accommodations (e.g., hospital visits)

• Who needs to be present

2. Prepare for Your Appointment

• Gather your documents (unsigned)

• Have a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID ready

• Ensure all required signers are present

3. Notarization Appointment

Notary Long Beach will:

• Verify identities

• Explain the notarization process

• Oversee document signing

• Apply the official signature and seal

  
  

4. After Notarization

Once complete, you’ll receive your notarized documents, ready for:

• Storage in a secure location

• Submission to attorneys or financial advisors

• Recording with the county (for deeds)

• Sharing with family members

Common Questions About Mobile Notary Services for Estate Planning

Q: How much does a mobile notary cost?A: California sets notary fees at $15 per signature. Mobile notaries charge additional travel fees, which we disclose upfront.

Q: Can a notary explain the contents of my estate planning documents?A: No, notaries cannot provide legal advice or explain legal documents. If you have questions about the contents, consult an estate planning attorney.

Q: How many estate planning notarizations have you completed?A: We have had the privilege of working with many attorneys, financial planners and individuals over our 23-year career and have notarized more than 1,000 estate planning documents.

Q: What if someone is unable to physically sign?A: California allows signature by mark (X) or a signature proxy in specific circumstances. We can explain the details of these alternative options if necessary.

Why Choose Notary Long Beach for Your Estate Planning Needs?

• Specialized Experience: We have more than two decades of experience notarizing estate planning documents.

• Compassionate Approach: We treat every client with respect and patience.

• Flexible Scheduling: Appointments are available six days a week.

• Clear Communication: No legal jargon—we use simple, straightforward and easy to understand language.

Don’t let notarization delays keep you from securing your legacy. Notary Long Beach - Mobile Notary & Apostille brings professional, friendly service directly to you. Your legacy matters—let us help you protect it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly D. McKendell, the owner of Notary Long Beach-Mobile Notary & Apostille, is a mobile notary public based in Long Beach who has completed thousands of notarizations since 2001. Call her for all of your notary needs. She specializes in apostilles and authentications, real estate documents, living trusts, medical records, estate planning documents, title transfers, patent forms, international adoptions, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, and power of attorney documents.