Why October Is a Good Time to Review Your Estate Planning Documents

The end of the year can arrive quickly. Between holiday schedules, travel, family commitments, and busy work calendars, important paperwork can easily get pushed to the last minute.

October is a practical time to review your estate planning documents and determine whether anything needs to be updated, signed, notarized, or organized before the holiday season begins.

Estate planning decisions should be made with guidance from the appropriate legal professional. A notary can perform an authorized notarial act when notarization is required, but a notary does not prepare estate planning documents or provide legal advice.

For Florida residents, taking time to organize your documents early can help make the signing process easier and give you time to address questions with your attorney or other appropriate professional.

What Estate Planning Documents May Need Attention?

Estate planning can involve several different documents, depending on an individual's circumstances and the plan prepared by their attorney.

Documents may include:

• Wills

• Powers of attorney

• Trust-related documents

• Health care planning documents

• Other estate planning paperwork

Not every document has the same signing or notarization requirements. Requirements can depend on the document, the circumstances, and the instructions provided by the attorney or receiving organization.

If you're unsure whether a particular document needs to be notarized, check with the attorney who prepared it or the organization that will receive it.

Why Start the Process Before November or December?

Waiting until the end of the year can create scheduling challenges.

November and December often involve:

• Holiday travel

• Reduced office hours

• Family commitments

• Business closures

• Limited appointment availability

• Increased demand for time-sensitive paperwork

Starting in October gives you more time to identify what needs to be completed.

If a document requires notarization, you can arrange the appointment without having to fit an important signing into an already crowded holiday schedule.

Create an Estate Planning Document Checklist

Before scheduling a notarization, gather your paperwork and review what still needs to be completed.

A simple checklist can include:

1. Review your current documents.
   Determine whether your attorney has recommended any updates.

2. Identify documents that still need signatures.
   Look for unsigned or partially completed documents.

3. Check the signing instructions.
   Follow the instructions provided by your attorney or the organization requesting the documents.

4. Determine whether witnesses are required.
   If witnesses are needed, confirm who must be present and what qualifications apply.

5. Confirm notarization requirements.
   Ask the appropriate professional whether notarization is required.

6. Schedule the signing early.
   Don't wait until the week before a holiday or deadline.

What Does a Notary Do During an Estate Planning Signing?

When an estate planning document requires notarization, the notary performs the authorized notarial act associated with the document.

Generally, this can involve verifying the identity of the signer, completing the required notarial certificate, and applying the notary seal as required.

The notary does not determine whether your estate plan is legally appropriate, interpret the document, or advise you about what provisions you should include.

If you have questions about the meaning or legal effect of your documents, contact the attorney handling your estate plan.

Mobile Notarization Can Make Scheduling Easier

Estate planning signings don't always fit neatly into a traditional office schedule.

A mobile notary can travel to an agreed location, which may be helpful when several people need to coordinate a signing or when traveling to a notary's office is inconvenient.

Blue Ink Signing Solutions provides mobile notary services in the Miami and South Florida area. Depending on the document and circumstances, in-office notarization or Remote Online Notarization may also be an option.

Eligibility for online notarization depends on the applicable requirements and circumstances, so confirm that RON is appropriate for your documents before scheduling.

Don't Leave Important Signings Until December

October provides a useful window to get organized before the end-of-year rush.

You don't need to complete your entire estate plan in October. The goal is simply to identify what needs attention and give yourself enough time to work with the appropriate professionals and complete required signings.

If your attorney has prepared documents that require notarization, schedule the notarization early rather than waiting until holiday schedules become complicated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every estate planning document need to be notarized?

No. Notarization requirements vary by document and circumstances. Follow the instructions provided by your attorney or the organization receiving the document.

Can a notary explain my estate planning documents?

A notary can explain the notarial process, but should not provide legal advice or interpret your estate planning documents. Questions about the document itself should be directed to your attorney.

Can a mobile notary come to my location?

Yes. Blue Ink Signing Solutions provides mobile notary services in Miami and South Florida, making it possible to arrange a signing at an appropriate location.

Plan Your Estate Planning Signing Before the Holiday Rush

If your estate planning documents are ready and require notarization, October can be a good time to schedule the signing before November and December calendars become crowded.

Blue Ink Signing Solutions offers mobile, in-office, and eligible Remote Online Notarization services to help make document signings easier to coordinate.

Need documents notarized? Schedule your notarization with Blue Ink Signing Solutions.