Notarizing documents in care settings:

Our notaries go to adult family homes, nursing homes, and hospitals. It is important to know that essential documents such as wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and trusts must be signed in the presence of legal witnesses and a notary before one is incapacitated or unable to understand the documents\\\’ contents. The witnesses and notary should not be employees of the care facility or family members of the signer. Improperly witnessed and notarized documents are invalid.

Appostilles:

\”Apostille\” is a French word meaning certification. An apostille is required for all California State notarized and certified documents that are used in foreign countries. Apostille refers to the legalization of a document for international use under terms of the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty abolishing the requirement of legalization for foreign documents.

Legalization, presented as a certificate of authority, is required for all documents going to foreign countries.
A certificate of authority confirms the legality of the document. Additional authentication may be required once the certificate of authority is obtained through the California Secretary of State’s office.

Common documents that need Apostilles and Certificates of Authority:

• Power of Attorney

• Transcript, Diploma, or Degree

• International Adoption Documents

• Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates

• Notarized Affidavit

• Divorce Decree

• Single Status Certificate

• Trademark Assignment

• Bank Statement

• Certified Copy of Passport

• Certified Copy of Identification

• Corporate Certificate of Status

• Corporate Certificate of Incorporation

• Permission to Travel with Minor Child Letter