Notary fees vary from state to state, so we put together a complete guide covering everything you need to know about notary fees and your Estate Plan.
Head of Legal , Trust & Will
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If you are devoting time to the Estate Planning process, it is always a good idea to follow any additional steps that ensure the validity of your documents. In many cases, this means getting your Will and other Estate Planning documents notarized. While this is not legally required, it can save your loved ones extra time in probate court. That being said, there are notary fees to be aware of.
Trust & Will is here to help with all of your Estate Planning needs including notarization -- but it is still a good idea to familiarize yourself with the regulations and fees in your state. Keep reading to learn more about why you should notarize your Will and how much it will cost:
Notary fees are the costs associated with getting documents notarized, and will vary from state to state. These fees apply anytime you need a notarized contract, property deed, or other legal document. The purpose of a notary is to ensure that each signature on said document is valid, and that each person willingly signed. This process helps to prevent a number of administrative and legal challenges. For example, when it comes to Estate Planning it can be highly beneficial to get your Will notarized.
Your Will does not have to be notarized, as long as you followed the required steps to create a legal Will in your state. However, a notary will still come into play if you want to ensure your Will does not run into any challenges in probate court later on. Most states require two witness signatures on a Will, which can be validated one of two ways. The first option is to have these witnesses testify in probate court after your death.
The second option is to attach something called a self proving affidavit to your Will, which must be notarized. A self proving affidavit is essentially a small declaration that you and your witness are aware of the document being signed, and are willingly doing so. An attorney is not required to write one, and you can often download a template online. Once you have the affidavit, you must bring it and your witnesses to an authorized notary. The notary will verify each of your identities and witness the signing.
While you will be required to pay notary fees for this additional step, you shouldn’t let that prevent you from completing the process. Depending on where you live, notary public fees can be as little as $15. Further, by getting your Will notarized you can speed up probate and ensure your Will is enacted in a timely manner.
A mobile notary is a licensed notary who travels from place to place, rather than working out of one business. This is often the most convenient option for individuals who cannot access a notary location for whatever reason. There are additional fees involved when working with a mobile notary because of the added cost of traveling to each client. Though some states have limits on the maximum travel fees that can be charged.
Notaries can charge per signature in certain states, depending on the type of notarization. Most states require two witness signatures on a Will, with Vermont requiring three. Keep signature requirements in mind as you review the fees charged in your state to accurately estimate the costs of notarizing your Will.
Notary public fees are hard to avoid because you are paying for a service from a licensed individual. Although, there are a few ways you can avoid paying more than you need to when getting your Will notarized. Here are a few tips you can try:
It is important to be aware of the notary fees charged by your state to avoid running into unexpected costs. When it comes to notaries, there are a few different costs states regulate. The first is acknowledgements, which is when a signer verifies their identity before a notary and agrees to the content of said document. This is typically what is required to notarize a will.
States also establish fees for Jurats, which is when individuals recite an affirmation certifying the truth of a document. These are used for documents in the justice system. Similarly, states also regulate fees for verbal oaths. This is when an individual takes an oath on their honor or to a religious being, and can be used for a variety of purposes. Finally, as i mentioned above states will also regulate the maximum travel fees charged by mobile notaries.
Search the list below to learn about how much are notary fees in your state
Fees should never discourage you from taking the extra step to get your Will notarized during the Estate Planning process. While each state does have different regulations, the total cost of notary fees is often well worth it by looking at the benefits. A notarized Will can prevent your final wishes from stalling in probate court and can protect your beneficiaries from facing legal challenges after your death.
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Estate Planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your future. Not sure where to start? Trust and Will can help! Take our simple quiz to discover the right Estate Plan for you.
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