Why Notaries Are Critical to the Estate Planning Process

If you're in the middle of putting together your estate plan, or thinking about starting one, there’s a good chance you’ll run into a document that needs to be notarized.

• Maybe your attorney mentioned it in passing.

• Maybe your DIY kit says “sign in front of a notary.”

• Or maybe someone just told you, “You’re gonna need a stamp for that.”

But what does that actually mean?

What role does a notary play in the estate planning process, and why does it matter who you choose?

Let’s break it down in real, human terms, so you can move forward with confidence.

First, What Does a Notary Do?

At the most basic level, a notary public is a state-authorized professional who serves as an impartial witness during the signing of important documents. They confirm your identity, make sure you're signing willingly (and knowingly), and apply their official seal to complete the notarization.

That “stamp” adds legal weight to your document, so that if it ever gets challenged, there’s clear proof it was executed properly.

But when it comes to estate planning, a notary isn’t just a formality. They’re a critical part of protecting your wishes and making sure your plan holds up when it’s needed most.

Estate Plans Aren’t Just Paperwork, They’re Legal Lifelines

Your estate plan might include documents like:

• A Last Will & Testament

• A Revocable Living Trust

• A Durable Power of Attorney

• An Advance Healthcare Directive

• A Self-Proving Affidavit

• Deeds, assignments, certifications, and more

Some of these documents must be notarized to be valid. Others don’t legally require it, but benefit greatly from it (such as making your will “self-proving” so it skips delays in probate court).

That’s where a skilled notary comes in, not just to stamp something, but to help ensure everything is properly executed.

Why the Notary You Choose Matters (A Lot)

Here’s the part most people don’t realize: not all notaries are trained in estate planning work.

Some are used to notarizing car titles, permission slips, or simple one-page forms. Estate planning documents, on the other hand, are often:

• Longer, more complex, and multi-part

• Signed under emotional or sensitive circumstances

• Required to meet specific state-by-state requirements

• Executed by elderly or medically vulnerable individuals

• Coordinated with attorneys, witnesses, or fiduciaries

You want someone who’s seen it before and who knows exactly what to do.

Meet the CNTDA: Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent

At Gotary.com, and our training partner, Notary Coach, we’ve created a special category of notaries who go above and beyond the basics. We call them:

Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents (CNTDAs)

These are notaries who’ve received specialized training in the estate planning process. They know how to:

• Walk you through a full estate planning signing appointment

• Coordinate witnesses (when required)

• Communicate clearly and calmly with clients and attorneys

• Protect your documents, your privacy, and your peace of mind

• Represent professionalism from start to finish

And they come to you at home, at work, at the hospital, or wherever you need.

What Makes Notarization So Important in Estate Planning?

Because these documents often don’t come into play until years down the road. By then, you may be gone. Or unable to speak for yourself.

Your family needs to be able to rely on the paperwork. The courts need to know it was signed correctly.  And the people carrying out your wishes need the authority to act without jumping through unnecessary hoops.

When documents are not notarized correctly, or not notarized at all, it can cause:

• Delays in probate

• Disputes among family members

• Extra legal fees

• Emotional stress at an already hard time

A qualified notary helps avoid all that by getting it done right the first time.

Do I Have to Leave My House to Get Something Notarized?

Nope. Not anymore.

That’s one of the biggest benefits of using Gotary.com. Our network includes mobile notaries who come to your door, and many who offer online notarization.

• No traffic.

• No waiting in line. 

• No hoping your bank still offers notary services.

Just a professional notary, trained in estate planning, who makes the process smooth, private, and stress-free.

What If I’m Working With an Attorney?

Perfect. Our notaries often work in partnership with estate planning attorneys, helping to:

• Finalize trust and will packages

• Serve as impartial witnesses

• Ensure the proper execution of legal paperwork

• Maintain continuity and professionalism on behalf of the firm

Whether your attorney sends you to find your own notary or coordinates one on your behalf, Gotary has you covered.

What If I’m Doing a DIY Estate Plan?

We’ve got your back there too. Once you know what needs to be notarized (and when), you can use Gotary.com to:

• Find a trained notary near you

• Schedule a mobile visit or online session

• Complete your documents properly

• Move forward knowing it’s done right

Our notaries can’t give legal advice, but once you know what you need, they’re your best ally in getting it done.

How to Find a CNTDA Near You

It’s easy:

1. Visit Gotary.com

2. Select Trust Delivery Agents

3. Search by location

4. View notary profiles, availability, and specialties

5. Connect and schedule your appointment

This Isn’t Just a Stamp, It’s Peace of Mind

Notaries play a quiet but critical role in the estate planning process. They’re not flashy. They don’t get headlines. But they’re the ones helping ensure your wishes are documented, protected, and carried out.

So when it’s time to sign, don’t settle for “any notary.”

• Find a professional.

• Find a specialist.

• Find someone who respects what you’re doing and helps you finish strong.

That’s what our notaries do at Gotary.com.

And we’d be honored to help.

Click here to find a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent near you.