• Patients must be alert, aware, able to communicate, and willing to sign the documents when the notary arrives.

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• You should always try to contact the patient prior to the Notary's visit to the care facility to discuss the reason you are sending a Notary to them and to explain what the document entails. Notaries are not responsible for going over documents with patients, as Notaries are not attorneys and can't offer legal advice.

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• If your document calls for a witness, please note that many facilities do not permit their staff members to act as document witnesses. You should pose this question to the facility staff prior to booking your Notary appointment. If they do not allow their staff members to act as witnesses, you may request that the notary arrange for them; an additional fee may be charged.

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• Notaries are not allowed to create documents for the patient, such as advance healthcare directives, affidavits, wills, etc., unless they are also a licensed document preparer or an attorney. You should always be prepared with your document when requesting a Notary.

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• If you are not able to be present for the signing, you should always discuss with your Notary how the documents should be returned to you (UPS, FEDEX, or regular mail). Additional fees may apply.