|
In Virginia, having key estate planning documents like a Power of Attorney (POA), Medical Directive, and Will is essential for ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for. These documents protect you in situations where you cannot make decisions for yourself and ensure that your estate is managed according to your preferences. Whether you're looking to prepare for the unexpected or safeguard your family’s future, these documents provide peace of mind and legal protection. 1. Power of Attorney (POA) A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows you to designate someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. This can be especially important if you are involved in an accident, suffer from an illness, or are otherwise unable to manage your own affairs. Benefits of a POA in Virginia:
2. Medical Directive (Advance Healthcare Directive)A Medical Directive, or Advance Healthcare Directive, is a document that allows you to outline your medical preferences in the event you are unable to communicate your wishes. It also allows you to designate a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions on your behalf. Benefits of a Medical Directive in Virginia:
3. Last Will and TestamentA Will outlines how your assets will be distributed upon your death. It is one of the most critical estate planning documents, as it ensures that your property, finances, and personal belongings are passed on according to your wishes. Benefits of Having a Will in Virginia:
Why You Should Act NowWithout these critical documents, you risk leaving your family in a vulnerable position, both financially and emotionally. Establishing a Power of Attorney, Medical Directive, and Will now will protect you and your family from uncertainty in the future. At Notary2Notary, I, Vanessa Terry, provide reliable and professional notary services to help you execute these documents in compliance with Virginia law. Whether you need a mobile notary to meet at your home, office, or healthcare facility, or you prefer the convenience of Remote Online Notary (RON) services, I am here to ensure that your estate planning documents are properly notarized and legally binding. For more information or to schedule a notary service, visit my website today.
0 Comments
Planning for the future by creating estate documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney is essential. However, many people are concerned about the costs associated with hiring a lawyer for these services. Luckily, there are low-cost and nonprofit options that provide legal aid for individuals and families who need to get their estate documents in order. If you're looking to complete your estate documents in Chesterfield or beyond, several nonprofit organizations and legal aid services offer affordable or even free assistance. Here’s a guide to creating your estate plan on a budget. 1. Why Estate Planning is Crucial Estate planning ensures that your assets and healthcare decisions are handled according to your wishes when you're no longer able to make those decisions. Key documents, such as a will, trust, power of attorney, and advance directive, protect your loved ones from future legal disputes, unexpected financial burdens, and confusion over your healthcare preferences. 2. Nonprofit Legal Aid Organizations That Can Help Many nonprofit legal organizations offer estate planning services at little to no cost for individuals who qualify based on income or other criteria. If you're looking for affordable ways to get your estate documents completed, consider reaching out to the following:
If you don’t qualify for nonprofit legal aid services or prefer a more cost-effective route, there are additional options available to help you complete your estate documents:
For simple estates, creating a DIY will is another option. Virginia allows handwritten wills (also known as "holographic wills") as long as they meet specific legal requirements. However, it’s always wise to have your documents reviewed by a legal professional to ensure they are legally binding and will hold up in court. 5. Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Create Estate Documents Putting off estate planning can lead to significant legal challenges for your family. Without a will or power of attorney, the state may decide how your assets are distributed and who makes important decisions about your healthcare. This can create unnecessary stress and confusion for your loved ones during a difficult time. By reaching out to one of the nonprofit legal aid organizations listed above or using low-cost alternatives, you can create the necessary documents to protect your family’s future without incurring high legal fees. Take Action Today If cost has been holding you back from completing your estate plan, these nonprofit and low-cost options are available to help. Organizations like Virginia Legal Aid Society, Legal Aid Justice Center, and Central Virginia Legal Aid Society are here to assist those in need. For those who prefer affordable paid options, services like LegalZoom or local law firm flat-fee packages can provide peace of mind at a manageable cost. Now is the time to take action and ensure your estate plan is in place—your family will thank you for it. Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your family’s future, yet many people in Chesterfield and beyond delay creating these crucial documents. Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives ensure that your assets are handled according to your wishes and your loved ones are cared for when you’re no longer able to make decisions yourself. If you're in Chesterfield, there are many local law firms that specialize in estate planning. Consider reaching out to Cravens & Noll, PC or The Mottley Law Firm to get started on these vital documents. Here’s why estate planning should be on the top of your to-do list. 1. Why You Need a WillA will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It allows you to dictate how your assets will be distributed after your death. Without a will, the state decides how your estate will be handled, which may not align with your wishes. A well-drafted will helps avoid disputes among family members and ensures that your assets go where you want them to. For residents of Chesterfield, the Emroch & Kilduff law firm can assist in drafting a will tailored to your needs. 2. Trusts: A Versatile Tool for Managing Your EstateWhile a will is essential, trusts offer additional flexibility. A trust allows you to manage the distribution of your assets both during your lifetime and after your death. Whether you’re looking to minimize estate taxes or protect assets for a loved one, trusts can be an effective tool. Consult with Chesterfield attorneys like those at Otey Smith & Quarles for guidance on whether a trust is right for you. 3. Powers of Attorney: Planning for the UnexpectedA power of attorney gives someone the authority to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Without this document, your family may face long legal battles to gain control over your affairs during a critical time. Firms like Robertson, Anschutz & Schneid in Chesterfield can assist in setting up these documents to ensure that the right person is making decisions on your behalf. 4. Advance Medical Directives: Protect Your Healthcare WishesAn advance directive, also known as a living will, outlines your preferences for medical care if you are unable to speak for yourself. This document provides peace of mind that your healthcare decisions will be respected, and it can prevent your family from having to make difficult choices during a stressful time. Consider contacting Batzli Stiles Butler PC for help drafting a clear and comprehensive advance directive. 5. Prevent Family ConflictsEstate planning isn’t just about money or assets; it’s about ensuring harmony among your loved ones after you’re gone. Clearly defined documents can prevent disputes and make it easier for your family to manage your estate without unnecessary stress or disagreements. For busy law firms, handling legal documents is an everyday task. Whether it's a power of attorney, affidavit, or real estate closing, these documents often require notarization to be legally binding. As a mobile notary, I, Vanessa Terry of Notary2Notary, understand how crucial it is to offer fast, reliable, and convenient notary services to attorneys. Let’s dive into why mobile notary services can be a game-changer for law firms. 1. Convenience and Flexibility at Your Office Lawyers have hectic schedules. With my mobile notary service, I bring notarization directly to your law firm’s office or even meet your clients at their location. This saves you the hassle of having to leave your office or coordinate multiple signings in one day. My service is built around the concept of flexibility, ensuring that legal professionals can focus on practicing law while I handle the notarization process. 2. Urgent Document Needs? No Problem Whether you’re preparing for a trial or working against a deadline for a client, I provide same-day and rush notary services. Attorneys in real estate, estate planning, and business law often need documents notarized urgently, and I make sure you never miss a critical deadline. 3. Accuracy and Expertise with Legal Documents When working with complex legal documents, accuracy is key. As a certified mobile notary, I’m familiar with a variety of legal documents and ensure all notarizations are handled with precision. This reduces the risk of errors that could lead to costly delays or legal issues for your clients. By partnering with Notary2Notary, law firms can enjoy the benefits of convenient, efficient, and reliable mobile notary services. Let me help your practice save time, meet deadlines, and ensure legal compliance with every document. Contact me today to learn how I can support your legal team. When it comes to fingerprinting services in Virginia, convenience and accuracy are key. On Time Notary provides professional mobile fingerprinting services that come directly to your location. Whether you're applying for a new job, obtaining a professional license, or undergoing a background check, our mobile fingerprinting services make the process fast, easy, and reliable. Why Use Our Mobile Fingerprinting Service?We understand that time is valuable. With On Time Notary, you no longer need to visit a physical location or wait in long lines at a police station. Our mobile service means we come to your home, office, or any other convenient location, saving you time and stress.
 When it comes to notarizing important documents, reliability and professionalism are critical. On Time Notary offers comprehensive mobile notary services across Virginia, ensuring that all your notarization needs are met at your convenience. Our team of certified notary professionals brings the notary directly to your door—whether you're at home, in the office, or any other location. Why Choose a Mobile Notary Service?Gone are the days of rushing to the nearest notary office during business hours. With On Time Notary, you have the flexibility of getting your documents notarized wherever you are, at a time that suits your schedule. Our mobile notary services include, but are not limited to:
 Estate planning is an essential part of securing your financial future and ensuring your loved ones are taken care of. At On Time Notary, we specialize in providing mobile notarization services for estate planning documents, giving you the peace of mind that your legal affairs are in order. Whether you're setting up a will, trust, or power of attorney, we bring the notary to you. Why Are Estate Planning Notarizations Important?For legal documents such as wills and trusts to be valid, they often require notarization. Without a notary's signature, these documents may not hold up in court, potentially putting your estate at risk. On Time Notary ensures that all your estate planning documents are notarized properly and legally binding. Our Estate Planning Notary Services Include:
 When I was approved as a remote Notary for the state of Virginia in 2017, I was excited to jump in, but work was very slow at first. Remote online notarization (RON) allows a Notary to notarize a document online using an approved technology platform for signers located in other states or even other countries. I was very interested in remote notarization, because the idea of offering Notary services without needing to leave my home was very appealing. Unfortunately, when I started in 2017, remote online notarization, or “RON,” was not widely known or understood and wasn’t nearly as profitable as I had hoped. Many state officials, Notaries and signers were unsure about RON since few people understood or had used it at that time. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and suddenly all roads led to RON. RON and COVID changed the entire industry for Notaries. COVID-19 required people to stay at home to avoid catching the disease, and many businesses were forced to close or begin operating remotely to stay open. Today, RON services are a major part my Notary business. It has become just as profitable for my loan closing and general Notary work, and I predict that by the end of 2022, it will be the lion’s share of my Notary business. To get started as a RON, you want to make sure that your state authorizes its Notaries to provide this service (a few states, such as California, don’t allow RON at this time). If your state permits remote online notarizations, you will need to apply with your state first. Different states have different requirements when you apply. You may be required to take additional training, sign up with an authorized remote notarization provider, or purchase additional supplies such as an electronic Notary seal or digital certificate. Selecting a RON technology providerChoosing a technology provider is often the most important step to becoming a remote Notary. Many states require Notaries to sign up with a technology provider that meets the requirements of their RON laws. In general, there are two types of RON technology providers:
The companies that only provide you the technology will set you up to perform remote notarizations, but do not contract to provide you with notarization work. DocVerify, Secured Signings and SIGNiX are examples of this type of independent technology provider. These platforms will typically charge a monthly or annual usage fee in addition to transactions fees for each remote notarization completed. Fees for platforms vary so be sure to research each platform individually to ensure your rates will result in profitability. Getting customers If you choose to work independently as a remote Notary, you will be solely responsible for acquiring your clients, charging and collecting payment and completing their notarizations. This is the most profitable way to conduct RONs. You can set your own fees (but make sure you stay within your state’s Notary fee schedule) and you do not have to split your earnings with the technology provider. The only major hurdle Notaries may face when going this route is doing your own marketing to build a customer base. This is an online business, so most of your clients will find you online. You should acquire additional training on how to properly and effectively market online such as running Google AdWords. In my experience, working as remote online Notary can provide you with income potential similar to working as a Signing Agent. I have completed RON assignments where I earned $50 in 5 minutes and $400 for a 30-minute assignment. If your state permits it, you may be able to charge additional fees such as technology fees. Remember this is your business, so you can charge fees based on your company's fee structure and your state’s limitations. Editor's note:States set the maximum fee Notaries can charge for a notarization. Most (but not all) states allow a flat fee of $25 for a remote notarization. In addition, some states allow remote Notaries to charge a technology usage fee. In these states, the signers would pay the technology fee for use of the platform. Out of these fees, remote Notaries have to pay the technology provider for using their system. Working as a remote online Notary, can be a profitable full-time business as you can work around the clock, 365 days a year. Like any business, you should always do your due diligence and research the industry to ensure you are taking the necessary steps to be successful. In my professional opinion, I believe every Notary should take steps to become a remote online Notary, because as technology continues to evolve, we Notaries should too. Vanessa Terry, owner and head trainer at Notary2Notary, has over 10 years of experience building successful businesses nationwide. After finding her own six-figure success as a Notary trainer and entrepreneur, she launched Notary2Notary to empower those all over the country to start their own business. Vanessa coaches her Notary students on these three tiers to help others build their successful Notary signing agent businesses across the country. In the world of notarization, technology has made it easier than ever to get documents notarized from the comfort of your home. Two key methods are Remote Online Notarization (RON) and Remote Ink Notarization (RIN). While both allow you to complete the notarization process remotely, they differ in important ways. Here’s what you need to know about each: What is Remote Online Notarization (RON)?Remote Online Notarization (RON) involves the notarization of documents entirely online, using a secure audio-visual platform. This process is 100% digital. The document is signed and notarized electronically, making it convenient for people who need fast and secure notarization, especially when they are in different locations. Key Features of RON:
What is Remote Ink Notarization (RIN)?Remote Ink Notarization (RIN), on the other hand, allows for remote notarization but with a physical paper document. In this process, the document is signed in ink by the signer while the notary watches the signing in real-time via a video conference. The signed paper document is then mailed to the notary for their signature and seal. Key Features of RIN:
To learn more about the requirements for RON or RIN in your state, visit your state’s Secretary of State website or the National Notary Association’s website for more detailed guidance. WHAT IS REMOTE INK SIGNED NOTARIZATION?
Background. In December 2019, reports of a new infectious disease came out of Wuhan, China. On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization gave this new disease its official name, COVID-19.1 On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Two days later, a national emergency was declared in the United States. State and local health departments sprang into action. Broad stay-at-home orders were imposed, nonessential businesses shuttered, entertainment and professional sports halted, travel between states and outside the United States was curtailed, workers lost their jobs, and the U.S. stock market dropped over 10,000 points in the initial weeks of the crisis. The pandemic could have decreased demand for the services of Notaries Public, but it did not. Patients sick with COVID-19 urgently needed to have medical powers of attorney and heath care directives notarized. People scrambled to establish estate plans. Homeowners, taking advantage of interest rates lowered by the Federal Reserve to prop up a flailing economy, took out and closed mortgage loans in record numbers. Faced with increased demand for notarial services, a rapidly spreading virus, and the need to keep people socially distant, Notaries resorted to performing notarizations at a safe social distance outdoors, in garages, on porches, through windows, and side by side in cars. Not everyone wanted to obtain notarial services in this manner, and some were too sick to even try. Remote Ink Signed Notarization: Temporary Accommodation or Permanent Solution? 3 the requirement for a signing party to physically appear before a Notary and allowing audiovisual communication tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx to be used instead. Since paper documents were signed and transmitted electronically between the principal and Notary or delivered back and forth through postal mail, this new form of notarization was named “remote ink signed notarization” (RIN) to describe how the parties appear before each other (“remote”) and sign documents (“ink signed”). Source: NNA |
AuthorVanessa Terry has been a notary for 10 years in the Commonwealth of Virginia with over 5000 notarizations and loan closings completed. Archives
September 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed