Wills and Trusts: What the Notary's Role Is (and Isn't)

People often assume a notary makes a will official. The reality is more specific, and understanding it saves time and prevents documents from being rejected later.

What the notary actually does

For estate documents, the notary verifies the identity of the person signing and witnesses the signature — and, for certain documents, administers an oath or completes a self-proving affidavit that can make the document easier to accept later. The notary does not write the will, decide whether a trust is right for you, or give legal advice about your estate.

Where wills and trusts differ

• A will often requires witnesses in addition to a notary; witness rules vary by state.
• A trust and a pour-over will are frequently notarized together with powers of attorney and healthcare directives as one estate package.
• A self-proving affidavit attached to a will is a common reason a notary is involved.

Coordinating signers and witnesses remotely

When family members or witnesses are in different places, a remote online session can bring everyone onto the same recorded call. Because witness and notarization rules differ by state, confirm what your state requires — and what your attorney recommends — before the appointment, so the package is valid the first time.

I handle estate-document signings patiently and in both English and Chinese, which matters when elder family members are involved.

Work with a bilingual notary

I’m Amy Xiaoshi Gui, a commissioned notary public offering remote online notarization in English and 中文 — evenings and weekends available, all from the comfort of your home.

Book a remote appointment: Schedule online
WeChat: Xiaoshionly
Call or text: +1-406-607-9760
Email: [email protected]

This article is general educational information about the notarization process, not legal advice. A notary public verifies identity and witnesses signatures and is not a substitute for an attorney. Remote online notarization is regulated state by state; please confirm the current requirements for your specific situation and the destination where your document will be used. I perform remote online notarizations only in the state(s) where I am commissioned and authorized (Nevada and Montana).