Services

In California, when you turn up to get documents notarized, there are several requirements and considerations to keep in mind: 

1. Valid Identification: You must present acceptable identification to the notary public. Acceptable forms of ID typically include government-issued IDs such as a driver's license, passport, or state identification card. The ID should be current, unexpired, and include a photograph and signature.

2. Personal Appearance: You must personally appear before the notary public at the time of notarization. This is to verify your identity and ensure that you are aware of and willingly signing the document.

3. Document Preparation: Bring the document(s) that need to be notarized with you. Make sure they are completed except for the signature(s) that need to be notarized. Notaries cannot provide legal advice or prepare legal documents for you.

4. Witnesses (if required): If the document requires witnesses in addition to notarization, make sure the witnesses are present and able to sign the document in the presence of the notary.

5. Fees: Notaries in California are allowed to charge a fee for their services. The fees will be discussed and agreed upon before the notarization takes place.

6. Language Requirements: The notary must be able to communicate with you in the same language that the document is written in to ensure understanding of the contents.

7. Understanding the Document: You should understand the contents of the document you are signing. If you have any questions or concerns about the document, you may want to seek legal advice before signing.

It's important to note that notaries in California are prohibited from notarizing certain documents, such as blank documents or documents with incomplete information. 

Disclaimer: As a Notary Public, I am prohibited from providing legal advice or services beyond my role in notarizing documents. I cannot interpret the contents of documents, explain their legal implications, or advise on the appropriate course of action in legal matters. Any questions or concerns regarding the legal significance or consequences of a document should be directed to a qualified attorney. My role is limited to witnessing signatures, verifying identities, and certifying documents as required by law. Thank you for your understanding 

• Grant Deed- A Grant Deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). Both the grantor(s) and the grantee(s) must sign the Grant Deed. Witnesses are not typically required for a Grant Deed, but it's a good idea to have witnesses present to confirm the signing. 

• Quit Claim  Deed  A quitclaim deed is a legal document used to transfer interest in real property from one party (the grantor) to another party (the grantee). Unlike a grant deed or warranty deed, a quitclaim deed does not guarantee that the grantor has clear title to the property. Instead, it simply transfers whatever interest or claim the grantor may have in the property to the grantee.Quitclaim deeds are commonly used in situations where the transfer of ownership is between family members, divorcing spouses, or business partners, or when correcting errors in property records. They are also used to release any potential claims to property without making any warranties about the title's validity. It's essential to understand that quitclaim deeds provide less protection to the grantee compared to other types of deeds. Before accepting a quitclaim deed, it's advisable for the grantee to conduct a title search to uncover any potential issues with the property's title.

• Estate Plan An estate plan is a comprehensive set of legal documents and strategies designed to manage and distribute a person's assets and affairs upon their death or incapacitation. The primary goals of an estate plan are to ensure that a person's assets are transferred to their chosen beneficiaries according to their wishes, to minimize taxes and administrative expenses, and to provide for the care of dependents and loved ones. Key components of an estate plan may include- Will, Trust & Power of Attorney.

• Trust Certification-A Trust Certification is a document that verifies certain details about a trust, typically regarding its existence, provisions, or the authority of the trustee(s) to act on behalf of the trust. Signers must present valid identification to verify their identities. Acceptable forms of identification usually include government-issued photo IDs such as driver's licenses or passports. I will complete a notary certificate, also known as a notary wording or acknowledgment, which includes the venue (location where the document is signed), the date, a statement of acknowledgment, the notary's signature and seal or stamp, and other relevant information. 

• Living Will (Health Care Directive) A Living Will, also known as an Advance Health Care Directive, is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care in the event that they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. It typically includes decisions about medical interventions, end-of-life care, and the appointment of a health care proxy to make decisions on the individual's behalf. Living Wills ensure that an individual's wishes regarding medical care are respected and followed, providing peace of mind for both the individual and their loved ones during times of medical crisis. I will perform a notary acknowledgment. This involves verifying the identity and witnessing the signature on the document. 

• Power of Attorney A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on your behalf in financial, legal, or medical matters. I will verify the identity of the person granting the power of attorney (the principal) and any witnesses required by state law. This typically involves examining government-issued photo identification to confirm identity. I will ensure that the principal is signing the Power of Attorney voluntarily and with understanding of its contents. I may ask the principal if they understand the powers being granted and if they are signing of their own free will. I will  complete a notary certificate, which may be an acknowledgment or a jurat, depending on the type of Power of Attorney document. The certificate includes essential information such as the date, venue, the notary's signature and seal or stamp, and a statement of acknowledgment or oath. 

• HIPAA Getting a HIPAA authorization form notarized may be necessary to verify the authenticity of the authorization and comply with legal or organizational requirements. Notarization adds credibility to the form, deters fraud, and ensures that the individual signing it is who they claim to be. While not always required by HIPAA itself, notarization may be requested by healthcare providers or other entities to whom you are granting permission to release your protected health information. I will  verify the identity of the signer of the HIPAA-related document. I will ensure that the signer is signing the HIPAA-related document voluntarily and with an understanding of its contents. I may ask the signer if they understand the implications of the document and are signing of their own free will. If required, I will complete a notary certificate, such as an acknowledgment or a jurat, for the HIPAA-related document.

• Grant Deed transfer to Trust Grant Deed transfer to Trust: Property ownership transferred to a trust for management and distribution. I will verify the identity of the grantor and confirms that the grantor signed the deed voluntarily. After notarization, the deed is considered "acknowledged", adding an extra layer of authentication. 

• Will A will is a legal document that specifies how a person's assets are distributed after their death. The will must be properly executed according to California law. This typically involves the testator (the person making the will) signing the document in the presence of at least two witnesses. The testator must be of sound mind and legal capacity at the time of signing the will. This means they must understand the nature and extent of their property, the beneficiaries they are including, and the effect of signing the will. Witnesses must be competent adults who are not beneficiaries under the will and who witness the testator's signing of the document. They may also sign an affidavit (self-proving affidavit) attached to the will, affirming the validity of the signatures and the testator's capacity.  In California as a public notary I generally cannot serve as a witness for the execution of a will.

• Buyer Home Loan A buyer home loan, or mortgage, is designed for purchasing residential property. You borrow funds from a lender to buy a home and agree to repay the loan amount with interest over time. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Bring the loan documents that need to be notarized. Do not sign them beforehand; you'll need to sign them in the presence of the notary. Some documents may require witnesses in addition to notarization.

• Commercial Property Loan A commercial property loan is a type of loan specifically used to purchase or refinance commercial real estate properties. These properties can include office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, multifamily apartment buildings, and other income-producing properties. Commercial property loans typically have different terms and requirements compared to residential mortgages. They may require higher down payments, have shorter repayment periods, and often come with higher interest rates. These loans are usually obtained by businesses or investors looking to acquire or develop commercial real estate for income generation or business operations. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Bring the loan documents that need to be notarized. Do not sign them beforehand; you'll need to sign them in the presence of the notary.

• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a type of revolving credit that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home. Equity is the difference between the current market value of the home and the outstanding balance on any mortgage or loans secured by the property.  Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. This is required for the notary to verify your identity. Bring the HELOC documents that need to be notarized. Do not sign them beforehand; you'll need to sign them in the presence of the notary. 

• Investment of Property  Investment in property refers to purchasing real estate with the primary goal of generating a return on investment. This can include various types of properties such as residential homes, commercial buildings, vacant land, or rental properties. Investors may seek to generate income through rental payments, property appreciation, or by renovating and reselling properties for a profit (flipping). Property investment can offer potential benefits such as regular income, tax advantages, portfolio diversification, and long-term wealth accumulation. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID. Bring the documents related to the investment in property that need to be notarized. Do not sign them beforehand; you'll need to sign them in the presence of the notary. 

• Refinance Refinancing: Replacing an existing loan with a new one for better terms or features. The notary wording usually includes the signer's acknowledgment of the document's execution. Witnesses are generally not required. 

• Reverse Home Mortgage A reverse home mortgage is a financial product that allows homeowners aged 62 or older to convert part of their home equity into cash without having to sell their home. The notary wording usually includes acknowledgment of the signer's voluntary execution. Witnesses are generally not required, but local regulations and document requirements may vary.

• Seller Home Documents Seller home documents are the paperwork involved when selling a property, including contracts, deeds, disclosures, and other legal documents required for the transaction. The notary wording usually includes acknowledgment of the signer's voluntary execution. Witnesses are generally not required, but local regulations and document requirements may vary.

• Affidavits
Affidavits are written statements made under oath or affirmation, typically used as evidence in legal proceedings. In relation to notary services, affidavits are often notarized to verify the identity of the affiant (the person making the statement) and to ensure that they are signing the document voluntarily. I will witness the signing of the affidavit and attach a notarial certificate to confirm its authenticity 

• Affidavit of Consent for Children Traveling Abroad An Affidavit of Consent for Children Traveling Abroad is a legal document that gives permission for a child to travel internationally without one or both parents or legal guardians accompanying them. This affidavit is typically required by immigration authorities to prevent child abduction and to ensure the child's safety while traveling. It is usually signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who are not accompanying the child on the trip and is often notarized to confirm its authenticity. 

• Bill of Sale
A Bill of Sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of an item or property from one party to another. It includes details such as the description of the item being sold, the purchase price, the date of the transaction, and the identities of the buyer and seller. A Bill of Sale serves as proof of ownership transfer and may be required for various purposes, including registering a vehicle, transferring title to real estate, or for accounting and tax purposes. 

• California Copy Certification of Power of Attorney A California Copy Certification of Power of Attorney is a notarial act performed to certify a copy of a power of attorney document. This certification verifies that the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document. It is commonly required when the original power of attorney needs to be retained by the principal or submitted to multiple parties, such as financial institutions or government agencies, while copies are needed for other purposes. I will compare the copy to the original document and certify its accuracy by affixing their seal and signature along with a statement indicating that the copy is a true copy of the original power of attorney. 

• California Jurat with Affiant Statement A California Jurat with Affiant Statement is a type of notarial act performed by a notary public in California. It involves administering an oath or affirmation to a person (the affiant) who is signing a document. I will certifies that the affiant appeared before them, was identified, and made a solemn statement under oath or affirmation regarding the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents of the document being signed. I will then complete the jurat section of the document, which includes a statement indicating that the affiant appeared before the notary, was sworn or affirmed, and signed the document in the notary's presence. This type of notarization is commonly used for affidavits, declarations, and other legal documents where the signer is making a sworn statement. 

• California Durable Power of Attorney A California Durable Power of Attorney is a legal document that grants someone else (an agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself. Unlike a regular power of attorney, which may become invalid if you become incapacitated, a durable power of attorney remains in effect even if you are incapacitated. This document allows your chosen agent to manage your finances, pay bills, handle banking transactions, and make other important decisions on your behalf. It's an essential part of estate planning and ensuring that your affairs are taken care of in the event of your incapacity. 

• Copy Certification by Document Custodian Copy Certification by Document Custodian is a notarial act performed by me to certify that a copy of a document is true and accurate. In this process, I will certify that they have compared the copy to the original document and found it to be a complete and accurate reproduction. This type of certification is often used when the original document needs to be retained by the owner or submitted to other parties, and a copy is needed for record-keeping or other purposes. I will affix their seal and signature to the certified copy, along with a statement indicating that they have compared the copy to the original document and certify its accuracy. 

• Deed of Trust
A Deed of Trust is a legal document used in real estate transactions that involves three parties: the borrower (also known as the trustor), the lender (also known as the beneficiary), and a neutral third party known as the trustee. In a deed of trust, the borrower transfers legal title to a trustee, which holds it as security for a loan from the lender. The trustee has the authority to sell the property on behalf of the lender in the event of default by the borrower. Once the loan is repaid, the trustee reconveys the property to the borrower. Deeds of trust are commonly used instead of mortgages in many states, including California, as they provide a quicker and less expensive foreclosure process for lenders. 

• Domestic Partner Registry A Domestic Partner Registry is a governmental or organizational system that allows unmarried couples, often of the same sex, to register their partnerships and gain legal recognition of their relationship. By registering, domestic partners may gain certain rights and benefits that are typically afforded to married couples, such as hospital visitation rights, health insurance coverage, inheritance rights, and the ability to make medical decisions for each other. Domestic partner registries vary by jurisdiction and may have different requirements and provisions for registration and recognition. 

• Request for Birth Certificate
A Request for Birth Certificate is a formal application submitted to the appropriate government agency, usually the vital records office or department of health, to obtain a copy of a person's birth certificate. This document typically includes the requester's personal information, such as their name, relationship to the person named on the birth certificate, reason for the request, and any supporting documentation or identification required. The request is processed by the government agency, and if approved, a certified copy of the birth certificate is provided to the requester for legal or personal use. 

• Request for DMV Documents
A Request for DMV Documents is a formal application submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain specific documents or records related to vehicle ownership, driver's licenses, vehicle registration, or other motor vehicle-related matters. This request may include documents such as vehicle registration certificates, driver's abstracts, vehicle titles, or vehicle history reports. The purpose of the request could vary, including personal use, legal proceedings, or insurance purposes. Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific documents requested, the request may need to be notarized to verify the identity of the requester and ensure the authenticity of the request 

• Lien Releases
Lien Releases are legal documents that remove a previously recorded lien from a property or asset. Typically, when a creditor places a lien on property, it serves as security for a debt owed by the property owner. Once the debt is paid off or otherwise resolved, the creditor issues a lien release to formally release their claim on the property. This document is then recorded with the appropriate authority, such as the county recorder's office, to clear the title and remove any encumbrances on the property. Lien releases are essential for property owners to maintain clear ownership rights and to facilitate the transfer or sale of the property in the future