By Lequita Eason, Georgia Notary Public · NNA & LSS CertifiedSome of the most important documents people sign happen at a bedside: a power of attorney, an advance directive for health care, a will or a vehicle title. When someone can’t leave a hospital, nursing home or assisted living facility, a mobile notary can come to them. Here is how those visits work and how families can prepare.
Before the visit: what I’ll ask you
- The facility name, room number and the best time to visit
- Which documents need to be notarized and how many people are signing
- Whether the documents require witnesses
- Whether the signer has a current photo ID available at the facility
Check visiting hours and any facility check-in rules before we schedule. Some facilities ask visitors to sign in or wear a badge.
The signer must be able to take part
This is the most important part of any bedside signing. The person signing needs to:
- Be alert and able to communicate with me directly
- Understand that they are signing a document and want to sign it
- Sign the document themselves, even if it’s a simple signature
I speak with the signer myself, not only through family members. If the person seems confused, heavily medicated or pressured by someone else, I can’t complete the notarization that day. That protects the signer and the validity of the document. When possible, schedule the visit for the time of day the person is usually most alert.
ID still matters
Hospital stays often separate people from their wallets. Make sure the signer’s current photo ID is in the room before I arrive. If it can’t be found, call me before the visit so we can talk about options.
Witnesses
Some documents, like wills and certain healthcare forms, need witnesses in addition to a notary. Many facilities don’t allow their staff to serve as witnesses, so plan ahead. I can coordinate witnesses for estate planning signings if you tell me when you book.
What families should know
- Bring the documents unsigned, with all pages included.
- A family member can’t sign for the patient unless they already have legal authority to do so. If you have questions about authority, ask the attorney who prepared the documents.
- I can’t explain or recommend documents. Questions about what a document means should go to an attorney.
- Allow enough time. Bedside signings move at the signer’s pace, and that’s how it should be.
For attorneys: scanbacks from the bedside
When I handle estate planning signings for law firms, I carry a mobile scanner and can email the executed documents to your office before I leave the room. Originals are returned according to your instructions.
Service area and fees
I travel throughout Douglasville, Lithia Springs, Villa Rica, Austell, Hiram, Powder Springs, Carrollton, Dallas and the City of South Fulton. Mobile travel fees run $25 to $50 depending on your city, plus the Georgia notary fee of $2 per notarial act. Estate planning signing packages are listed on my estate planning page.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Requirements can vary by document and agency, so confirm details with the organization that requested your document.