Maintaining The Signer’s Privacy: What We Need To Know
A notary public does not need to know the back-story as to WHY a document needs to be notarized. We just need to know the name or type of document. The circumstances, as long as they are legitimate and not intended to defraud anyone, are irrelevant.
Family members calling on behalf of a hospitalized signer often feel the need to give every detail of why a form needs to be notarized and every detail about the signer’s hospitalization. We understand that in some situations people are stressed and often need to vent, but to respect the medical, financial and personal privacy of the signer or others involved we do not need all the additional information.
Calling to make an appointment is not a long, difficult process. This is what we will ask:
1. What type of document do you have? (just a general description like “Power of Attorney” or “Real Estate Documents”)
2. When and where do you need service? (At our office, your home or office, hospital, nursing home, etc.)
3. Does the signer have a valid government-issued PHOTO ID? (Driver’s license, State ID Only, VA ID with photo, Concealed Carry permits, etc. Employer ID’s are NOT government issued and will not work.)
4. Can the signer sign his or her name without any help from anyone? (We don’t need the medical history. If the signer is incapable due to injury, stroke, etc. we can help advise other options such as making an “X” with two witnesses)
5. Is the signer on any strong medications or other substances that would make them unaware of what they are signing? (This is a yes or no question. We don’t need to know the list of medications. We aren’t doctors.)
6. Does your document require witnesses? (Read your document. If there are blank lines with the word “Witness” underneath, you most likely need witnesses. Hospitals and nursing homes do NOT allow their staff to witness documents. You will have to provide your own witnesses)