This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Every case is different. Consult a licensed professional in your state. Viewing this website or its content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Lyda Law Firm or any of its lawyers.
As long as you have two (2) witnesses that sign each document, a notary is not required to file a will or medical directive.
Signing in the presence of two witnesses or a notary will make your advance medical directives effective. If using two witnesses, each witness
To be “uninterested,” the witness
If using two witnesses, the witnesses do not need to be “uninterested.” However, it is recommended that you do use uninterested witnesses given the likely event of an “interested” witness raising disputes regarding undue influence or the validity of the will during the probate process.
Although it is recommended, a will does not require you to sign in the presence of a notary. Instead, Colorado allows the use of a “Self-Proving Affidavit” attached to your will. This requires the use of a notary, but it streamlines the process in the long run.
Without a Self-Proving Affidavit, the Court may need to contact the witnesses that sign to ensure the validity of the will.
With a Self-Proving Affidavit signed in the presence of a notary and two witnesses, the Court’s need to contact witnesses after death is eliminated which ultimately speeds up the probate process.
Lyda Law Firm is available to assist in the preparation of wills, medical directives, and other estate planning documents. We are working remotely during COVID-19 to comply with the State’s distancing recommendations and regulations; however, we are working on inputting a system to virtually witness and e-sign documents so they may be properly executed.
We can also assist to connect our clients to mobile and virtual notary services who can travel to your location. Please contact us for more information on our services.
844.844.9400
Denver:
5335 W. 48th Ave.
Ste. 501
Denver, CO 80212
855.855.9400
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10880 Wilshire Blvd.
Ste. 1101
Los Angeles, CA 90024
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Ste. 800
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Ste. 100
Bothell, WA 98021
833.822.9400
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Ste. 200
Nashville, TN 37215
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Plantation, FL 33324
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Ste. 200
Windermere, FL 34786
833.833.9400
Austin:
411 W Monroe St #6
Austin, TX 78704
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24285 Katy Freeway
Suite 300
Katy, TX 77494
Lubbock:
4708 67th St.
#158
Lubbock, TX 79414
Permian Basin & Monahans:
201 E. 4th St.
Monahans, TX 79756