Where to Get a Will Notarized: Your Complete Guide

Knowing where to get a will notarized is an essential part of its validity. Creating and notarizing a will is an important step in planning for your future. This guide helps you understand the notarization process, especially in Texas.

Understanding Texas Basic Will Requirements

State laws, including those in Texas, set specific rules for valid wills. These rules don’t include mandatory notarization, but notarization adds a layer of protection. It simplifies the probate process for your loved ones later.

The Essentials of a Texas Will

For a will to be legally binding in Texas, it must meet a few key requirements, which apply to various type of will/s:

• It has to be in writing.
• It must be made by someone of sound mind and at least 18 years old. The legal requirements of a Texas last will and testament specify several conditions for validity.
• It must be signed by the person making the will (the testator) in the presence of two credible witnesses. Likewise, the witnesses have to sign the will.

Even with notarization, these witness signatures are still essential for the validity of your will, impacting court proceedings. It’s crucial for witnesses to sign to confirm the will’s validity.

Related: Step-by-Step Texas Will Signing Instructions

Why Notarize if It’s Not Required?

Notarization isn’t required under Texas law but offers key benefits for wills and trusts. It strengthens the notarized will’s validity and protects against disputes. It offers peace of mind by providing a shield from undue influence claims. A notary public verifies the identities of the signer(s) and confirms they are willingly participating. It confirms they are willingly participating in the signing of important documents for estate planning.

This process reduces fraud and coercion risks, ensuring the estate plan is secure. Notarization also guarantees the document’s admissibility in probate court, enabling smooth estate distribution. It builds trust among beneficiaries, reducing conflicts. For help notarizing your will, contact our experienced estate planning attorneys in Texas today to secure your estate.

Self-Proving Affidavits Simplify Probate

Notarizing a will creates a self-proving will, which includes a self-proving affidavit, verifying its proper execution.This simplifies probate and streamlines the process for your loved ones later.

Streamlining Court Proceedings

Texas courts typically confirm witness identities in probate. A self-proving affidavit removes this step, saving time and stress. This speeds up the process significantly and decrease time in carrying out your wishes, in line with state’s requirements.

Where to Get a Will Notarized in Texas

There are various places that offer convenient notary services in Texas, some even for free. These options range from your local bank to online notaries. They include your wills, trusts, contracts, power of attorney, and other necessary document/s at real estate offices signed as well.

Common Notarization Locations

• Banks and Credit Unions:

Most offer notary services to customers, often free. Credit unions often provide similar free services for members.

• The UPS Store:

Many locations offer notary services for house accounts and non-house accounts, but it’s best to call ahead to verify if they will notarize your legal document and/or if witness signatures are available.. Some locations may not handle some essential documents like I-9 forms.

• Law Firms

If you work with a lawyer to draft your will, most law offices can also notarize it and help you with additional directives, saving you time and ensuring the legally notarized document. If an attorney licensed in Texas can’t provide direct mail notary services, they will know other reputable providers. Be sure to verify any legal advice received with a licensed professional and to review a service’s privacy policy before working with them.

• Courthouses and State Government Offices:

These often have notaries publicly available for various estate documents, including wills.

• Nursing homes:

For residents who need notary services for their wills trusts deeds contracts affidavits.

• Financial advisors:

They sometimes provide additional signature notarization services to help clients with financial and estate plans..

Mobile Notaries

Mobile notaries come to you, which is helpful if you can’t travel or need to have your documents notarized somewhere else. They provide flexible, convenient options for where to get a legally valid will.. This service is offered in locations including international shipping centers and stores with printing services. 

Remote Online Notarizations

Online notary services allow you to complete the entire process remotely through a secure video conference. This is a convenient option if you’re looking for where to get a will notarized from afar. This digital service can be ideal for busy professionals.

Choosing the Right Notary

When deciding to notarize a will, consider factors like cost, convenience, and the types of documents notarized at each location. Notaries in Texas can charge $6 per signature, but fees vary. Always confirm prices in advance.

FAQs About Where to Get a Will Notarized

Conclusion

Knowing where to get a will notarized in Texas involves understanding self-proving affidavits. While Texas doesn’t mandate will notarization, a self-proving affidavit, simplifies probate.

Finalizing this step ensures your will’s validity. Hence, easing the probate journey for your family members and allowing them to distribute estate as per your wishes.

Getting your will notarized in Texas can help make the probate process easier. If you’re unsure about the next steps, our experienced estate planning attorneys are here to help. Our lawyer’s office can guide you through the process, making sure everything is in order for a smooth transition. Call our law firm at (888) 584-9614 or contact us online to discuss how we can assist you with your estate planning needs.