If your parent or loved one is living in a nursing home and needs a Power of Attorney notarized, a mobile notary can travel to the facility rather than requiring the signer to travel to an office.

This can make an already stressful situation much easier.

First: Make Sure You Have the Right Document

A notary cannot tell you whether you need:

• A financial Power of Attorney
• A durable Power of Attorney
• A healthcare Power of Attorney
• Another legal instrument

Those are legal questions.

If you are unsure, speak with an attorney before arranging notarization.

The notary will:

1. Meet the signer.
2. Confirm the identity requirements.
3. Review the document for the information necessary to complete the notarial act.
4. Determine whether the signer is participating voluntarily and understands the nature of the notarial act to the extent required.
5. Complete the appropriate notarial certificate.
6. Complete the notary's required recordkeeping.

North Carolina law prohibits a notary from taking an acknowledgment without the principal appearing in person.

If your document requires acknowledgment of the signature before the notary, the signer should follow the instructions associated with the document and not assume it should be signed beforehand.

Ask the notary about the execution procedure when scheduling.

Some legal documents require witnesses in addition to a notary.

Do not assume that a nursing-home employee, family member, or caregiver automatically qualifies.

For example, North Carolina's health care Power of Attorney law contains specific requirements for qualified witnesses.

WeFoundYou.com can coordinate mobile notary appointments at nursing homes and other facilities.

Call 844-974-2281.

Or email info@WeFoundYou.com.

Can a Power of Attorney be notarized in a nursing home?
A notarial act can generally be performed at a nursing home when the legal and notarial requirements are satisfied.

Can the notary prepare the Power of Attorney?
No. A notary is not acting as the customer's attorney.

Does the signer have to be present?
For an ordinary acknowledgment, the principal must appear personally before the notary.

Can a family member be the witness?
That depends on the document and applicable requirements. Do not assume a family member qualifies.