child travel consent

Child Travel Consent: What You Need to Know

Traveling is one of the great joys of life. Nowadays, it is becoming more and more common for children to be jet setters. Even babies have passports now. Furthermore, school trips now go far beyond local museums. In fact, it is no longer unheard of for children to travel without their parents. For this to happen, you will need a travel consent form. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about child travel consent forms. Bonus! You can enjoy some tips and tricks for the child traveler.

What is a Child Travel Consent Form?

A child travel consent form (CTCF) is a document that allows a minor (a person under the age of 18) to travel without the company of their parents or guardian. In terms of air travel, kids between the ages of 5 and 18 can fly by themselves. Kids in this position are typically referred to as unaccompanied minors.

There are a number of situations in which this may be necessary. For example, a child may go visit their grandparents in another state while their parents are away on a work trip. Furthermore, oftentimes children will accompany a friend, extended family member, coach, or educator on a trip. In these cases, and many more, a child would require a child travel consent form.

Airlines, rightfully so, have really cracked down on enforcing these documents. Properly filled out and notarized child travel consent forms actively fight child abuse and abduction. Sadly, an alarming number of children are victims of trafficking or abduction. Awareness and preparedness are your best friends when preparing your child to travel solo, or without your company. A child consent form is a vital element in said preparations.

Parental Consent Form

In your research preparing for solo child travel, you may also come across a document called a parental consent form. Simply put, this is just another name for a child travel consent form. In fact, this is one of many names that a child travel consent form may be called. Additionally, a CTCF may be known as:

  • Travel Permission Letter
  • Child Travel Consent Letter
  • Consent Letter for Children Traveling Abroad
  • Travel Permission Letter
  • Child Consent Certificate

These document titles vary by state and country. However, they all serve the same purpose. The above documents all legally verify that a child has been given permission by his or her parents to travel alone or in the company of an appointed guardian.

Child Travel Consent Form Template

As with any official document, there are certain elements required within a valid Child Travel Consent letter. Below are the six primary components that should be included in your CTCF.

  1. Child’s Information – Specifically, their name, valid passport information, and place of birth
  2. Travel Companion’s Information – If your child will be traveling with a guardian or chaperon, you need to include that person’s name, valid passport details, relation, and child custody information
  3. Permission – Naturally, a consent letter needs to offer just that – consent. In this section of the form, the legal parent or guardian should detail their permission to travel. Additionally, they should include their name and detailed contact information
  4. Special Needs – It is important to list any allergies or special needs that the child may have
  5. Travel Information – CTCF’s are not catch-all documents. Meaning, they are only valid for specific travel occasions. Therefore, it is essential to list the details of your child’s trip. Be sure to note the city where their journey begins and ends, with any relevant information in between
  6. Signature – Whoever is giving consent, whether parent or guardian, must sign the form and have it notarized

Naturally, the specifics of these forms may vary depending on what state or country you live in. Fortunately, the U.S. State Department of International Travel can help you determine what is necessary for your child’s origin and destination state/county.

What is a Notarized Letter?

Twice in this article, we have referenced that a Child Travel Consent Letter needs to be notarized in order to be officially recognized. This is an essential step that cannot be overlooked in the process of preparing this document. If you don’t already know, getting a document notarized is an incredibly common task. The notarization of a document is a powerful step in the fight against fraud.

Notarizations are simple tasks performed by a notary public. A notary public, or simply, notary, is an official representative of the secretary of state. Notaries act as an unbias witness to the signing of documents of great importance. Not only do they witness the signing itself, but they confirm the identity, willingness, and understanding of the signer. This seemingly simple act helps officiate and legitimize a document in the eyes of the law.

How to Prep for a Notarization

While not executed by lawyers, notarizations are important legal acts. Therefore, it is important to understand the process and come prepared for your notary appointment. Read on to see how best to prepare your document for an efficient and legal notarization.

1. Know What Type of Notarization You Need

Before you can get a document notarized, you need to know what type of notarization you require. There are three different types of notarizations: acknowledgments, jurats, and certified copies.

  1. Acknowledgments – An acknowledgment is considered a standard, basic notarization. A person must be physically present at the time of the notarization to personally acknowledge that their signature is authentic. There are countless examples of documents that require this type of notarization, such as:
    • Child Travel Consent Forms
    • Powers of Attorney
    • Wills and Trusts
    • Property Deeds
    • … and many more
  2. Jurat Notarization – A jurat notarization follows the same steps as an acknowledgment, but with an essential added feature. During a jurat notarization, the notary public will read an oath or affirmation in which the signer must verbally accept. Non-verbal gestures, such as an affirmative head nod, are unacceptable.
    • Oath – An oath is a solemn promise before God
    • Affirmation – An affirmation is a promise made on your word, with no reference to a high power
    • Both Oaths and Affirmations carry the same weight and promise that the contents of a document or testimony are “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”
  3. Certified Copy – This is the least common type of notarization. In fact, many states do not recognize this as a legal notarial act. A certified copy is an official and exact replica of an important document. One might get a certified copy of a birth certificate or college degree.

You must know what type of notarization you require before your appointment. A notary public is neither qualified or legally allowed, to advise you upon which type of notarization your document requires. If you have any questions or doubts, contact your attorney for clarification prior to your appointment.

2. Bring a Valid Photo I.D.

The cornerstone of a successful notarization is correctly identifying the signer. In order to do this, you must bring an appropriate form of photo identification. Each U.S. state boasts different laws and requirements about what constitutes an acceptable i.d. for a notarization. However, a driver’s license or valid passport are the most commonly accepted forms of identification. If you do not possess either, be sure to look into other acceptable forms of i.d. for notaries.

Additionally, make sure your legal name matches the name on the document. This is primarily an issue for people having just been married or divorced. Whatever name is on your i.d. needs to match the name on the document you need notarized.

3. Understand Your Document

Properly identifying a signer is much more than simply looking at a photo i.d. card. In addition, your notary will ask that you understand the contents of the document you are signing in full. Be sure to thoroughly read and fact-check your document before visiting a notary. In the event that you have any questions or confusion, your notary is not meant to advise you upon these matters. In fact, your notary public cannot provide legal advice on the contents of your document whatsoever.

  • Let’s quickly discuss the difference between an attorney and a notary. An attorney has successfully completed years of legal studies and has a license to practice law. On the other hand, most states do not require notaries to complete any training at all. The states that do require notary public training only mandate six quick hours of class. That is quite a bit less than the years of training and practice licensed lawyers have under their belts.

4. Complete the Document

Back in your grade school days, you wouldn’t show up to class with unfinished homework, would you? We all have perhaps done that once or twice, but don’t make the same mistake with your notarization. Think of the black spaces in your document like “homework”. Be sure to fill in all necessary information prior to your appointment. However, do not actually sign the document until your notary visit. Most states require that all initials and signatures be executed in the physical presence of a notary.

5. Bring All Necessary Signers

Often times, documents requiring notarization will require the signature of more than one person. When that is the case, you can expedite the process exponentially by bringing all involved persons to the same notary appointment.

On the other hand, it is incredibly common that this is simply not possible. Sometimes the necessary signers live in different states or even different countries from one another. Whatever the case may be, worry not. A single document can legally be notarized more than once. In fact, different notaries can even perform notarizations. However, as you may suspect, this draws out the process significantly.

6. Be Prepared to Pay the Notary Fee

It is an age-old adage that nothing in life is free. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay a small fee for notary services. However, you shouldn’t worry about breaking the bank. Notaries often charge as little as one dollar per signature. Naturally, prices vary widely depending on your location. Fortunately, states legally mandate the maximum amount notaries can legally charge, so you won’t get swindled. For example, in California, notaries can charge a maximum of $10 per signature.

On the other hand, there are a number of establishments that offer notary services for the low-low cost of free. Keep reading to find out where you can score these low-cost and free notarizations.

Where to Find a Notary

As previously mentioned, notary availability and pricing depend largely on where you live. Additionally, these factors can vary based on what establishment you choose to get your document notarized at. Luckily, there are literally millions of notaries in the United States alone, so you should have no trouble finding the right fit for you. Below are a few good places to begin your search.

1. Government Offices

Many documents requiring notarizations pertain to a financial or legal matter. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many government buildings keep a notary on site. In-house notaries help expedite notarizations within the office. However, it is important to note that notaries are meant to serve the public. That is to say, even if you are not a customer or client of certain establishments, you are still privy to their notaries.

In your town or city, take stock of your local government buildings. Look for places like:

  • Town or City Hall
  • Your Local Court House
  • County Clerk’s Office
  • A Title and Registration Office

Depending on where you live, you can expect to pay around $5 per signature at the aforementioned local offices.

2. Banks and Credit Unions

When in doubt, a bank is always a good place to find a notary. Better yet, if you are a client of the bank or credit union, you may qualify for complimentary notary services.

3. Military Bases

Have you ever stepped foot on a military base? Some of the bigger ones are like their own tiny towns. In addition to on-base access to stores, doctors, and classes, you can also find a notary or two. More than likely, the fee will be minimal or non-existent.

However, not everyone can simply stroll onto an active military base. Access is typically restricted to active military, veterans, and their families.

4. Colleges and Universities

Similar to military bases, colleges and universities are often like their own little self-sustaining ecosystems. Many universities offer notary services to students and faculty as a school perk. Check your university directory to find out where you can find the school notary.

5. The Public Library

With the ever-growing popularity of the internet, books have all but become a thing of the past. If you were born in the last twenty years, there is a sad chance that you may have never even stepped into a library. Worry not, it is not too late to enjoy the many wonders of the public library! In addition to thousands of books, classes, and community events, you can also enjoy low-cost notary services. So dust off the ole’ library card, you won’t be sorry!

6. Insurance Agencies, Etc.

Like banks and government offices, many businesses like to employ a notary or two on site to increase efficiency. You will likely find a notary at:

  • Home and Auto Insurance Agencies
  • Real Estate Offices
  • AAA Branches
  • Your own office! Perhaps one of your coworkers is a notary and you didn’t even know it!

7. Hotels

Whether you are traveling abroad or enjoying a stay-cation, a hotel is always a good place to find a notary. Especially in five-star hotels, you may be able to enjoy the convenience of a notary at your fingertips as a hotel guest. If your chosen hotel doesn’t have a notary on site, perhaps the kind folks at the concierge can point you in the direction of one.

8. Mobile Notary

For the creme de la creme of notary services, you can enjoy the convenience of a mobile notary. Why bother scouring the streets for a notary when they can come to you? Many bigger cities are flush with mobile notaries ready and eager to help you at your home or workplace. Convenience does, however, come at a cost. The actual notarizations are subject to the same price-cap as regular notaries. Although, mobile notaries can charge an additional fee to cover the time and expense of traveling to you.

Tips for Children Traveling Alone

Now that we have sufficiently covered how to draft and notarize a Child Travel Consent Form, let’s talk a few more pro tips for traveling with children.

1. Have ALL The Necessary Documents

From i.d. cards to passports, be sure to leave no stone unturned when it comes to traveling with children. Especially when traveling to a foreign country, be sure to check and double check your destinations customs policies and requirements. Pro-tip from We 3 Travel – even if you are traveling with your own child, it is a good idea to have a Child Travel Consent Form with you. Additionally, it is a good idea to have a Child Medical Consent form handy as well.

2. Plan Travel Wisely

There are countless choices when it comes to choosing airlines and airports. Be sure to do your trip-specific research to set your child up for success.

  • Airlines – Look into which airlines have the best amenities and reviews when it comes to unaccompanied minors. Learn from people who have done this before you. Their guidance can be invaluable in a situation like this.
  • Flights – Whenever possible stick to direct flights. Even as adults, layovers and flight changes can be stressful and daunting. If a direct flight is unavailable, stick to transfers in smaller airports with at least an hour and a half between flights. Additionally, stick to flights with earlier departure times. These are more likely to depart on time and avoid cancellation.
  • Airports – If possible, avoid unleashing your solo child into a massive metropolitan airport. Some airports have grown so big you have to take a train between terminals. If a big airport is your only chance, try to stick with your child until they make it to their gate.

3. Educate Your Child

Set your kid up for success by going over the plan in detail with them. Quiz them on their destination and who they are meeting on the other end. Equip them with multiple copies of flight and contact information.

The best education is the experience itself. If you have the time and the opportunity, try and travel with your kids first. That way, the basic feeling of travel will not feel so foreign and scary to them when they do it on their own. Travel is, and should be, fun!

Child Travel Consent: In Summary

The world is a vast and magical place, and should a child have the opportunity to see it, they absolutely should. However, appropriate research, preparations, and cautions should be exercised first. If a child is traveling alone, or with someone other than their parent or legal guardian, they are going to need a Child Travel Consent Form. This document helps protect our children from crime, trafficking, and abduction. Be sure to thoroughly fill out the Child Travel Consent form, and get it notarized. After all the necessary preparations are complete, the world is your oyster!

Sources

https://www.tripsavvy.com/parental-consent-forms-for-traveling-minors-3265651

https://www.notarize.com/blog/notarized-child-travel-consent-form

https://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/child-travel-consent/?loc=US#.XQqVeNNKjow

https://www.nationalnotary.org/resources-for/public/how-to-prepare-for-notarization

https://www.nationalnotary.org/knowledge-center/about-notaries/what-is-notarization

https://www.thebalanceeveryday.com/where-to-notarize-affidavit-896914

https://www.travelocity.com/inspire/12-tips-kids-flying-solo/

https://www.superiornotaryservices.com/blog/what-need-document-notarized/

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attorney in fact

Attorney In Fact: What’s the Skinny?

Every now and then situations present themselves that require special assistance. In some cases, that means you need someone to make decisions and sign documents on your behalf. With a little research, you will quickly find you need something called an attorney-in-fact. Signing your decisions over to someone should not be taken lightly. Therefore, you need to fully understand the rights and responsibilities of an attorney-in-fact. In this article, we are going to answer all of your questions and more regarding the mysteries of the attorney-in-fact.

What is an Attorney-in-Fact?

An attorney-in-fact is a person who you choose to act on your behalf regarding personal or business related transactions. Interestingly enough, an attorney-in-fact does not have to be a trained attorney. You can choose anyone you know and trust to be your attorney-in-fact.

Sometimes called an “agent”, an attorney-in-fact is used for a number of reasons. For example, if a person is ill or of advanced age, they may want an attorney-in-fact to take over their affairs. More simply, a business person may assign a trusted employee attorney-in-fact status to deal with foreign business when they cannot be physically present.

No matter the occasion, an attorney-in-fact needs a power of attorney to make it official.

What is Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney is a document that officially makes someone an attorney-in-fact. Power of attorney (POA) documents are fairly simple but carry immense weight. Choosing an attorney-in-fact for your POA should not be taken lightly. We will discuss how to choose in attorney-in-fact in more detail later in this article.

For now, let’s discuss the types of POA documents and the various forms of power they provide.

Types of Power of Attorney

As previously stated, there are a number of reasons someone may need an attorney-in-fact. Therefore, it stands to reason that there are various types of forms and priveledges you can give them. While the following POA’s serve different purposes, they all must be notarized in order to be legally binding. There are four primary types of power of attorney documents: general, durable, special, and health care.

1. General Power of Attorney

As the name suggests, a general power of attorney gives the attorney-in-fact expansive powers. A general power of attorney can be ideal if you are going out of the country and need someone to handle certain affairs on the homefront while you are away. Furthermore, a general POA is best suited in situations where you are physically or mentally incapable of handling your own affairs.

With a general power of attorney, the attorney-in-fact can legally act for you in a variety of situations. Such as:

  • Settling legal claims
  • Purchasing life insurance (or altering the policy)
  • Managing business operations
  • Handling additional types of business and financial dealings

Often times, people will assign a general POA when settling their estate. You have the option to assign dates or circumstances in which the general power of attorney would become active.

2. Durable Power of Attorney

Sometimes unforeseen circumstances call our choices into question. Illness and accidents can either physically or mentally affect your ability to make decisions. However, in many cases, you wouldn’t want your estate to change. Therefore, having a durable power of attorney is a good idea. A durable power of attorney helps protect you and your assets in the event of incapacitation.

In a durable POA, you have the ability to require medical testing to determine your mental state. In fact, you can choose a specific doctor to do so. Additionally, you can require that two different doctors test you to further ensure a proper diagnosis. This all may sound like overkill, but you can never be too careful when it comes to managing your livelihood.

3. Special Power of Attorney

With a special power of attorney, you can dictate specific powers to your attorney-in-fact. This type of POA is ideal for when extenuating circumstances present themselves. For example, if you are a business owner and cannot be present for the signing of an important document. In this case, you could have your attorney-in-fact sign on your behalf, and their authority would only exist for that specific occasion. A special power of attorney may also be used for the following:

  • Managing personal or business transactions
  • Buying/selling property
  • Collecting on debts
  • Dealing with business transactions

These are just a few uses for a special POA. There are many circumstances in which a special power of attorney may work for you and your family or business.

4. Health Care Power of Attorney

The final type of POA is a healthcare power of attorney. As you may suspect, a healthcare POA is used to give your attorney-in-fact the power to make medical decisions on your behalf. In the event you become mentally incompetent or unconscious, your attorney-in-fact will be in charge of making important medical decisions. With a healthcare power of attorney, you can include your preferences regarding certain things like life support.

However, the healthcare power of attorney is not the same things as a living will. A living will is essentially your how-to guide about your personal preferences regarding an end-of-life plan. Some states allow you to mix both healthcare POA’s and living wills to make an advanced healthcare plan.

Choosing Your Power of Attorney Document

Clearly, you have some options when it comes to selecting a power of attorney document. While the aforementioned POA’s serve different purposes, it can be confusing choosing which is best suited to your needs. Furthermore, many states have different laws regarding the powers given to attornies-in-fact. Therefore, you should consult an attorney in your state to make sure you have the best plan for your state-specific laws.

How to Choose an Attorney-In-Fact

Clearly, defining the powers of your attorney-in-fact are important when selecting a power of attorney. Additionally, it is equally as important to use care when selecting the right attorney-in-fact. Keep in mind, you are giving this person the right to make decisions on your behalf. Often times, these decisions are regarding high-stakes financial, legal, or medical matters.

Two major qualities to look for are trust and dependability. You need to trust your attorney-in-fact to act selflessly and in your best interest. Furthermore, you need to choose someone you can count on to show up for you – sometimes time and time again. An attorney-in-fact is not a paying job. Therefore, you need to select someone that cares about you and your well being enough to help you for free. You can choose a family member, friend, or even a business as an attorney-in-fact.

Multiple Attornies-in-Fact

Interestingly enough, you can assign more than one attorney-in-fact. This can be a helpful way to establish a sort of check-and-balances system regarding your estate. However, sometimes adding multiple opinions to the pot can make decisions trickier and longer to process.

Attorney-in-Fact vs. Executor. vs. Trustee

To better understand the logistics of an attorney-in-fact, let’s go over some additional legal terms. Specifically, we are going to outline the differences between an attorney-in-fact, an executor, and a trustee.

Executor Definition

An executor is appointed by a person to handle their affairs after they pass away. You will likely hear the term executor utilized in relation to a will. A persons last will and testament details the fate of their estate. All of their assets, both valuable and sentimental, will be divided amongst friends and family as the holder of the will sees fit. An executor is the person responsible for seeing the wishes of their will through.

Like an attorney-in-fact, an executor can be anyone of your choosing. However, people often select attornies or lawyers to act as there executor.

Define Trustee

Like an executor or an attorney-in-fact, a trustee is correlated with a specific type of document. As we have discussed, an attorney-in-fact is given powers via a power of attorney. An executor is appointed through a will. A trustee, on the other hand, is tied to a trust. A trust is a way of placing assets under the ownership or control of a trustee.

A trust can include any number of assets, but most often includes money or property. The trustee is the legal owner of the assets within the trust. However, the trustee has ownership specifically to benefit the trust itself.

Power of Attorney After Death

What happens when the principle (aka the person who prompted the POA) dies? Sadly, when a principle dies, so do their power of attorney documents. Therefore, if you are an attorney-in-fact for someone who passes away, your power and duties end with their death.

This is where the aforementioned distinctions come in. As previously discussed, an executor is in charge of managing a persons post-mortem affairs. One person can, in fact, be an attorney-in-fact and an executor for another person. However, it is important to understand the differences in these roles and the powers they are given.

How to Notarize a Power of Attorney

Despite the different types of POA’s, there is one major similarity. All power of attorney documents need to be notarized. Given the amount of power an attorney-in-fact is given, it is vital to take this extra step. Notarization is an age-old act that helps fight fraud. Specifically, notarization makes documents more official in the eyes of the law. An unbiased witness, or notary, will oversee and approve of the signing of important documents. In order to properly notarize a power of attorney, it is best to come to your appointment prepared. Read on to find out everything you need to make your notarizations go smoothly.

1. The Power of Attorney (Document)

First of all, a notary is not a lawyer. Therefore, they do not provide or draft legal documents on your behalf. In fact, a notary is not legally allowed to give you legal advice regarding the contents of your document. Therefore, it is vital to come to your notary appointment with your power of attorney document in hand. Be sure you understand the document in full beforehand. If you have any questions regarding the legal specifics of your document, consult a lawyer prior to your notary visit.

Additionally, it is a good idea to have your document fully prepared prior to your appointment. Fill in any and all blank queries such as name, date, and contact information. However, resist the urge to sign or initial anywhere. Most states require that you sign the document in the physical presence of your notary.

2. Valid Proof of Identity

A cornerstone of successful notarization is proper identification of the signer(s). Therefore, be sure to double check that you have a valid form of photo i.d. with you. A valid driver’s license or passport are the most commonly accepted examples. In general, an accepted i.d. for notarizations should include the following elements:

  • An accurate, recent photo of you
  • A brief physical description (hair color, height, eye color)
  • The issuing authority (i.e. the United States of America for a U.S. passport)
  • Your signature

That being said, your birth certificate and social security card are unacceptable. However, state-issued i.d. cards and military identification will usually work. Bear in mind that every state has different rules and regulations. Be sure to check with your notary before you go in to make sure you come bearing the appropriate form of i.d. for your state.

3. All Necessary Signers

It is incredibly common for documents requiring notarization to need the signature of more than one person. If that is the case, you can save time and money by bringing all necessary parties to the same notary appointment.

Sadly, this is not always physically possible. Sometimes, the required signers live in different states or even different counties. Worry not, you can still get your document notarized legally. A document can be notarized multiple times and by multiple different notaries. However, the contents of the document cannot be altered between notaries. If there are any changes or amendments made, the notary process will have to start over. This ensures that all signers are aware and in agreement with the contents of the document.

4. Payment for the Notary

As with any service, the use of a notary comes at a price. Most notaries charge on a per-signature basis. These fees vary based on the notaries experience level and location. However, many states legally mandate a maximum fee a notary can charge. In California, for example, notaries cannot charge more than $10 per signature.

Be sure to check with your notary about their availability and fees prior to your appointment.

Lawyer vs. Notary

As briefly mentioned earlier in this article, a notary is a totally different role from a lawyer. To further illustrate this point, let’s discuss the difference in training.

A practicing attorney must successfully complete years of training and education. Moreover, most lawyers will hold various internships or apprenticeships with more established lawyers before going into practice themselves. Finally, a lawyer must pass a rigorous test known as the bar exam. The bar is a notoriously hard test that takes many people multiple tries to pass. Furthermore, attornies are specifically trained on state-specific laws relative to where they are practicing.

A notary, on the other hand, can be anyone over the age of 18 with no criminal record. A mere nine states require notary candidates to complete any sort of training. The states that do require training, provide a course that, at most, lasts a total of six hours. You can see why most notaries are not qualified to give you legal advice. Especially with documents regarding important legal or financial matters (like powers of attorney), be sure to consult a licensed attorney to answer any and all questions you may have.

Notary Near Me

Once you have all your legal questions answered, you shouldn’t have to go far to find a notary near you. With millions of notaries in America, you have options when it comes to picking a notary in your area. Read on to find out a few places you can find the services of a certified notary.

1. Local Businesses

Many businesses find it helpful to keep a notary on staff to help expedite in-office notarizations. Therefore, you can typically find a notary at many local offices. Start your search by checking at the following places.

  • Real estate offices
  • Car or home insurance agencies
  • Car dealerships
  • AAA offices
  • Your place of business! Ask around your office, you may have a coworker who is a notary!

Better yet, notaries are servants of the public. Therefore, you do not have to be a customer or a client of any of the above businesses in order to utilize their notary.

2. The Public Library

Remember the good ole’ days of reading tangible books? Well, real books and the libraries that house them still exist! Take a trip down memory lane and treat yourself to the nostalgic experience of a library. Not only will you find thousands of books, movies, classes, and newspapers, but you can find the services of a notary as well. Better yet, libraries typically have very affordable notary fees. While you are in there, be sure to pick up a book or two. Enjoy the splendors or reading (and smelling) paper instead of a computer screen.

3. Universities and Colleges

Many towns and cities, big or small, have a local college or university around somewhere. Students and faculty can often reap the reward of affordable or free notary services. Check with your local education establishments about their notary fees and availability.

4. Various Mail Stores

For a real one-stop-shop, try your local mail stores. You can pack, ship, notarize, and mail all in one place. Specifically, the UPS Store and Mail Boxes, Etc have been known to provide notary services on site.

Better yet, these type of stores typically operate outside of regular business hours. This gives you a bigger time frame and more flexibility when it comes to finding a notary near you. Be sure to call ahead to confirm notary availability and fees.

5. Mobile Notary

Why run the roads searching for a notary when they can come straight to you? Many cities boast the time-saving splendor of mobile notaries. A mobile notary will come to a place of your choosing, typically your home or office. No need to kick yourself for leaving your i.d. at home here!

Like typically notaries, mobile notaries charge on a per-signature basis. However, mobile notaries will typically charge an additional fee to cover travel time and expenses. Check with your local mobile notary service about their specific fees and availability today.

Attorney-in-Fact: In Summary

Choosing an attorney-in-fact is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. An attorney-in-fact is a vital instrument in managing your affairs should you become unavailable or incapacitated. You have the ability to choose your attorney-in-facts powers by selecting the perfect power of attorney documents to suit your needs. Be sure to get your power of attorney notarized to make it official.

Sources

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/attorneyinfact.asp

https://www.notarize.com/knowledge-center/what-is-an-attorney-in-fact

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/trustee.asp

https://www.thebalanceeveryday.com/where-to-notarize-affidavit-896914

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-does-a-trustee-do

https://www.thebalance.com/power-of-attorney-duties-3974714

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/trustee.asp

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/executor.asp

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/durable-power-of-attorney-health-finances-29579.html

https://www.rocketlawyer.com/article/power-of-attorney-poa-faq.rl

https://www.legalzoom.com/articles/what-is-a-power-of-attorney

https://www.superiornotaryservices.com/blog/what-need-document-notarized/

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