FAQs
What is a notary/notary public?
An individual who has been commissioned by their state to perform official acts called notarizations. These officials serve as an impartial witness to the signing of important documents and conduct fraud-deterrent security measures to confirm the identify of the signer. A Virginia notary may notarize a document to be filed and used outside of Virginia if it is signed and notarized in Virginia.
Can a notary provide help in completing the documents that need to be notarize and/or give legal advice?
No. Notaries are not lawyers. We cannot give legal advice or any aid in completing documents. The signer should contact the entity or person who provided them with the document if they have any questions about filling out the document. Signer(s) should have knowledge of what type of notarial act needed and whether the notarization requires witnesses (and how many witnesses).
Online Notary Near Me?
A signer personally appears before the notary at the time of the notarization using audio-visual technology (similar to Zoom) over the internet instead of being physically present in the same room. Remote online notarization is also called e-notary, electronic, notarization, online notarization or virtual notarization. Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA) is used to identify a person and decrease the chance of fraud. It's safe, convenient, and fast!
Following is a brief video from the National Notary Association that illustrates remote notarizations:
What is a Notary Signing Agent (NSA)/Loan Signing Agent?
Notary Signing Agents meet with borrowers to sign their loan documents and to notarize their signatures. NSAs are not permitted to give legal advice or detailed explanations of any documents.
Because Notary Signing Agents have access to private financial information about borrowers, and they are sent into their homes, all Signing Agents must have an annual background screening done. This mandate helps prevent mortgage fraud and ensures the consumer's information is secure.
What is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy or retirees. It's putting a plan in place that protects you and everyone you love, regardless of wealth.
You have an estate, believe it or not. In actuality, almost everyone does. Your estate is made up of everything you own, including your house, car, other real properties, investments, life insurance, furniture, and personal belongings. It also includes your checking and savings accounts. Everyone owns an estate, no matter how big or small, and they all share the same thing: You cannot take your estate with you when you pass away.
With that said, you'll probably want to decide how those resources are distributed to the individuals or organizations that matter to you the most. You must give instructions outlining who is to receive what from you, what you want them to receive, and when they are to receive it in order to ensure that your intentions are followed out with the least amount paid in taxes, legal fees, and court costs.
Don't you want to have a say in who will raise your young children if you are unable to do so?
Make a plan in advance. If you don't have a plan, your state will provide one for you and you probably won't like it!!
The advantage of An Estate Plan Is Mindfulness
You and your family will feel more secure knowing that you have a well-thought-out plan in place—one that contains your instructions and will safeguard your family. One of the most courteous and compassionate things you can do for your loved ones is estate planning.