What we do. And what only an attorney does.
A notary public plays a specific, limited role in estate document execution. Understanding that role protects you and your family from errors that the courts cannot easily fix later.
In Massachusetts, a will does not legally require notarization to be valid. But adding a self-proving affidavit under M.G.L. c. 190B, §2-504 converts it to a self-proving will. This means the probate court accepts it without requiring your two witnesses to appear and testify — saving your family significant time and burden.
A durable power of attorney requires notarization to be effective in Massachusetts under M.G.L. c. 190B, Article V. Without it, banks and financial institutions are within their rights to refuse it.
- ✓ Verifies the identity of each signer
- ✓ Witnesses the signing ceremony
- ✓ Applies the Massachusetts notary seal
- ✓ Completes the self-proving affidavit
- ✓ Confirms documents are unsigned at arrival
- ✗ Drafting the will or trust
- ✗ Reviewing legal sufficiency of documents
- ✗ Advising on estate planning strategy
- ✗ Explaining the legal effect of any document
- ✗ Recommending asset distribution decisions
Six estate documents. All handled with care.
Each document must be fully prepared by your estate planning attorney before our visit. We witness signatures and apply the seal. We do not draft, review or advise on any of the following.
Self-Proving Will Affidavit
The notary notarizes the self-proving affidavit attached to your will under M.G.L. c. 190B, §2-504. Eliminates the need for witnesses to appear in probate court. Requires 2 non-beneficiary witnesses at signing.
M.G.L. c. 190B §2-504Revocable Living Trust
Trust documents often require notarization when recording real estate interests or transferring titled assets. The trust must be fully drafted and reviewed by your attorney before the signing appointment.
Trust ExecutionDurable Power of Attorney
A Massachusetts DPOA requires notarization to be legally effective under M.G.L. c. 190B, Article V. Without notarization, financial institutions may refuse to honor it. The principal must sign in our presence.
M.G.L. c. 190B Art. VHealthcare Proxy
A Massachusetts healthcare proxy designates someone to make medical decisions if you become incapacitated. Required to have 2 adult witnesses at signing under M.G.L. c. 201D. Notarization adds a verification layer.
M.G.L. c. 201DAdvance Directive / Living Will
An advance directive records your medical treatment preferences and end-of-life wishes in writing. Particularly important for seniors with serious illness. Prepared by attorney, notarized at your location.
End-of-Life PlanningTrust Amendment or Restatement
Life changes require trust updates. We notarize amendments, restatements and successor trustee designations. The amended document must be prepared by your estate planning attorney before our visit.
Trust UpdatesSeniors, families and caregivers across the Merrimack Valley.
Most estate document signings happen at a moment of life transition. We built our mobile service around that reality.
Seniors at home
We come to your home at a time that works for you. Evenings and weekends available. No travel required on your part.
Hospital patients
We visit Lowell General Hospital, Saints Medical Center and area hospitals bedside. Healthcare proxies and POAs handled urgently when health requires it.
Assisted living and memory care
We serve residents at assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities and memory care units. Patient, respectful and experienced with senior signing ceremonies.
Family caregivers
Coordinating a parent’s estate documents is stressful. We work around your family’s schedule — including same-day appointments when circumstances require immediate action.
Four things. Nothing more needed.
Preparation prevents return trips and keeps the signing on schedule.
Every document fully prepared by your attorney but not yet signed. Signing must happen in front of the notary. Pre-signed documents cannot be notarized.
Massachusetts driver’s license, state ID, US passport or military ID. Original, unexpired. Name must match all documents exactly.
Adults who are not named beneficiaries in the will. They must be present for the entire signing ceremony and bring their own photo ID.
We accept credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Zelle, PayPal and cash. See our pricing page for current rates.
Mobile visits across the Merrimack Valley.
We travel to homes, hospitals and care facilities across all of the following towns. In-office appointments also available at our Tewksbury location.
Need a visit outside these towns? Call 978-424-4629. We quote all locations individually.
Wills and trusts notary questions, answered.
Does a Massachusetts will need to be notarized?
What is a self-proving will in Massachusetts?
Do I need witnesses for a will signing?
Can you come to a hospital or assisted living facility?
Does a durable power of attorney need to be notarized in Massachusetts?
Can you write or review my will or trust?
What if my family member can no longer travel to an office?
Other notary services for families and seniors.
Loan Signing Agent
Refinance, HELOC and reverse mortgage packages for homeowners. NNA certified, same-day available.
Learn moreApostille Service
Authentication of Massachusetts documents for international use. Full apostille processing available.
Learn moreOath Administration
Affidavits, sworn declarations and oaths for court, legal and business purposes across the Merrimack Valley.
Learn moreCopy Certification
Certified true copies of estate documents, passports and academic records for family and legal use.
Learn moreTewksbury Notary is not a law firm. We do not draft wills, trusts, powers of attorney or any estate document. We do not review documents for legal sufficiency. We do not provide legal advice on estate planning, asset distribution or tax strategy. For estate planning guidance, consult a licensed Massachusetts estate planning attorney.
Massachusetts law requires signers to have legal mental capacity at the time of signing. If there is any concern about a signer’s capacity, consult an estate planning attorney before scheduling the notary appointment. A notary cannot assess, certify or advise on legal capacity. If capacity is in question, we may decline to proceed.
Massachusetts wills require two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries. The notary does not serve as a witness and cannot supply witnesses. It is your responsibility to arrange eligible witnesses before the appointment. Confirm witness eligibility with your estate planning attorney if you have any questions.
A document signed before the notary appointment cannot be notarized. Massachusetts notary law requires the notary to witness the actual act of signing. If any document has been pre-signed, a new copy must be prepared by your attorney. Always leave signature lines blank until the notary is present.