Need a power of attorney signed, but Dad can't travel?
Power of Attorney Notarization in Clearwater
When a parent or spouse needs someone to act for them, the power of attorney has to be signed correctly or banks may refuse it. Iris comes to the home, hospital or care community in Clearwater and notarizes the signing the way Florida law requires. Call 678-614-4636.
Hablamos español. Monday to Saturday, 8 to 6.
Florida's rules for powers of attorney
- Two witnesses and a notary. A Florida power of attorney must be signed by the principal in front of two subscribing witnesses and acknowledged before a notary.
- The signer must understand. The person giving the power must be able to understand what they're signing. A notary may refuse if the signer seems confused or pressured.
- Valid ID. The signer needs current government photo ID. If they don't have one, ask Iris about the other ways Florida allows a notary to identify a signer.
- The agent shouldn't be a witness. It's best that the person being named as agent not serve as one of the two witnesses.
A typical example
An illustrative example, not a client testimonial. After a fall, a Clearwater man in his late 80s needs to give his son a durable power of attorney so the son can pay his bills. Their attorney prepared the document. The son calls Iris, who asks about witnesses and ID.
She meets them at the rehabilitation center on a Thursday morning, when the father is most alert, talks with him directly about what he's signing, and notarizes the signatures with two neighbors serving as witnesses. The bank accepts the document the next week.
Hospital and care community visits
Many power of attorney signings happen after a fall, a diagnosis or a move to assisted living. Iris visits Clearwater hospitals and care communities that allow visitors, works around nursing schedules, and takes the time needed so the signer is comfortable.
Call ahead so she can confirm the facility's visitor rules and parking. More notary options are on our notary public in Clearwater page.
What to have ready
- The complete power of attorney, prepared by your attorney, not yet signed
- The signer's current photo ID
- Two adult witnesses who are not the named agent, or a plan for them
- Any instructions from the attorney about initials or extra pages
How it works
- Call 678-614-4636. Tell Iris what the document is, how many people are signing, where they are and whether witnesses are needed. She quotes the total.
- Iris arrives at the home, office, hospital room or care community at the agreed time with her seal and journal.
- She checks each signer's ID, confirms they understand and are signing willingly, watches them sign, and completes the notarial certificate.
Notary disclosure
I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AND I MAY NOT GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR ACCEPT FEES FOR LEGAL ADVICE.
NO SOY ABOGADA AUTORIZADA PARA EJERCER LA ABOGACÍA EN EL ESTADO DE FLORIDA, Y NO PUEDO DAR ASESORAMIENTO LEGAL NI ACEPTAR HONORARIOS POR ASESORAMIENTO LEGAL.
Iris's promises to you
Inviting someone into your home or business takes trust. Here is what Iris promises every client:
- You know the price before she starts. No surprise fees at the end.
- Your documents never leave your sight. She scans what she needs at your table, works on an encrypted laptop and hands your originals back before she leaves.
- Every line is explained in your language. Plain English or Spanish, so you know exactly what you signed.
- No waiting room, ever. She comes to your home or business at the time you choose, Monday to Saturday from 8 to 6.
- If the IRS writes later, she reads it with you. The same woman-owned business that did the work answers the follow-up.
Mobile service across Pinellas County
Iris is based in Clearwater, from Countryside and Island Estates to downtown and Clearwater Beach, and drives to clients across Pinellas County:
- Clearwater
- Largo
- St. Petersburg
- Pinellas Park
- Seminole
- Dunedin
- Palm Harbor
- Tarpon Springs
- Safety Harbor
- Oldsmar
- Gulfport
- Belleair
- Indian Rocks Beach
- Madeira Beach
- Treasure Island
- St. Pete Beach
She also serves nearby parts of Pasco and Hillsborough counties when her schedule allows. Appointments can be at your home, your business, or a hospital or care community. Family out of state can book a visit for a parent and join by phone.
Questions people ask before they call
How much does it cost?
Florida caps the notary fee at $10 per notarial act. Iris adds a travel fee for coming to you: [travel area and any travel fee]. You hear the total before she drives out.
Can you provide the two witnesses?
[Confirm whether Iris can bring witnesses and the fee]. Otherwise, a neighbor, friend or facility staff member who is not the agent can often serve.
Can you tell us which power of attorney form to use?
No. Iris is a notary, not an attorney, and Florida law prohibits her from giving legal advice. An elder law attorney can prepare the right document.
What if my mother can't hold a pen?
Florida law has provisions for signers with physical limitations. Tell Iris in advance so she can prepare for the visit.
Do you notarize health care surrogate forms too?
Yes, when they're ready to sign. Iris can notarize several documents in one visit.