08/05/2026
Today I notarized documents for a woman who lost her husband earlier this year.
Two weeks ago, her estate attorney contacted me to schedule the appointment. After her husband's passing, she needed to update her Will, Power of Attorney, Advance Medical Directive, and Trust.
Before the appointment, the attorney's office sent me the documents and detailed signing instructions to review. This was extremely helpful and allowed the appointment to move smoothly, ensuring every required signature, initial, witness, and notarization was completed correctly.
The four of us - the widow, her financial advisor, the witness, and I - gathered around the table and began working through the documents together.
A few pages in, I glanced up and could see she was becoming overwhelmed by the stack of paperwork, the brightly colored "Sign Here" tabs and the seemingly endless list of signatures and initials.
I set my pen down and said,
"I know this is a lot. We're here to make sure everything is completed correctly, and I'm in no rush. Take your time. If you need to pause or have questions for your attorney or advisor, that's perfectly okay."
She smiled, laughed quietly, and said she was simply grateful she didn't have to drive all the way to Richmond to take care of everything.
That moment reminded me why I started this company and chose this work.
Being a notary isn't just about watching someone sign a document and placing a seal on the page. It's about meeting people during some of life's biggest transitions - celebrating milestones, navigating difficult seasons, and helping bring a sense of calm to what can often feel overwhelming.
Professionalism and accuracy are essential. But kindness, patience, and compassion matter just as much.
That's the kind of service I strive to provide every time I walk through a client's door.
***
To protect my clients' privacy, identifying details have been changed or omitted. This story is shared with permission and in a way that preserves confidentiality.