Advanced Directive and witnesses

Beginner's Questions
1

I did a search on this and found some information, sent a reply. Hoping it’s okay to post my reply questions here too?

I am very new, have not done any Notary Acts as of yet. I have all my training and am Certified As a NSA now. Just starting to get offers for NSA signings, doing a little review then was going to get up the energy to step forward.

My friend, old Co worker has requested my services today for her Grandfather. He needs an Advanced Medical Directive notarized. She also said they need two witnesses. They went to a Bank and the Bank stated they only do Business Notarizations. I thought that was strange?
They are not in a rush, willing to wait. I have informed her I can not offer any advice pertaining to the paper work. Was checking my resources and would get back to her. She knows I am just starting out.
I am familiar with NSA paper work but not this other paper work.
We are in Washington State
I Google searched for the wording around the witnesses and Notary signing for a typical form of this nature and reviewed my premier.

The form I am reading states directive to be witnessed by two people or acknowledged by a Notary public.
Without giving legal advice would the form be a jeopardy if they have witnesses and a Notary? As the form states OR. Not sure this is the form they actually have or not.

Can I also request to see the paper work prior to the appointment? I would like to help them but want to be prepared and also not put myself at risk.

What are my requirements for the witnesses? Check for ID, willingness, and preforming of their own free will?

If the form states needs witnesses or notary would it void the form if both sign?
Could you point out to read the form carefully to the client?

Wondering if you all have more suggestions on how to approach this.
The training to be a signing agent seems more straight forward than these types of notarizations. Plus a signing for real-estate has back ups and people the client can call.
This do it yourself stuff seems risky to me. Need help and suggestions.

Do you have recommendations for signing non NSA paper work?
A one person signing seems straight forward, not worried about that but with witnesses is the part that is hanging me up.

Thank You for reading and for your suggestions.
Linda

2

:Don’t analyze…notarize. Unless you’re a lawyer, don’t opinionate.

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3

I would suggest checking out the Probate and Estates section of your Washington statutes for the answers to your questions - or perhaps catch the ear of a local attorney who may be willing to help you. The only reason I suggest this is so you know what to tell your callers when they call you ("you’ll need to have two witnesses present, yes/no I can/cannot be a witness) etc.

It’s true - if you’re going to get into this work you need to know it’s being done correctly; some states require two witnesses only; some states require two witnesses and a notary; some states require only a notary.

Arichter is right - notarize, don’t analyze; and never give them any advice as to what you think is best to do - even if they ARE a former co-worker, friend, etc. I don’t care who the signer is or who the contacting party is (friend, family) - avoid any opinions or any statements like “well, if it were me…”.

Good Luck Linda.

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