Notarizing Health Directive in Washington DC Area

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You might have heard family caregivers saying that they wish they had started preparing in advance for the critical health crises for their loved ones. Although it may appear a little difficult, advance planning ensures that patient will receive desired healthcare service on time.

Healthcare advance directives are designed to share the end of life care and future healthcare wishes with family members, medical health professionals. These legal forms may also include the powers of attorney and living wills of the person. Note that, in order to complete the health care directive as per legal guidelines, it is important to follow the state’s rules. It requires the person to sign a document or take help from someone else to sign it on your behalf. Also, the document needs notarization along with document witnesses in almost all states.

Signing the document for health care directives:

As per the state laws, the document for health directives in Washington DC must be signed either in the presence of notary public and witnesses. Note that, the signing members must accomplish the rule of desired legal age and they must be of sound mind. However, in case if you are just assisting someone to complete the formalities for health care directive documents but that person is too weak or ill to sign; you along with some other witness can complete the signing process as per his/her directions. In this case, the signer, as well as the document preparer, need to appear in front of notary public and witnesses to ensure confirmation.

Notarization in Washington DC area:

The notary public is a legally authorized person who can verify and confirm the originality of the signatures on documents. In Washington DC, it is easier to find notary listings online or through yellow pages. Many hospitals in the area also have dedicated notary public in their regular staff. As per the condition of the person who wants to apply for health care directives, you can move to the notary or call these professionals to you. These professionals will complete all legal formalities as per state rules in specific notary language. You may need to present your identity proof while signing the documents and pay some fee to these officials for services. In some hospitals, the notarization services are also available for free to the admitted patients.

As per the health care directive rules in Washington DC, these documents are required to be signed by two witnesses. The conditions for witnesses are:

· They must be above the age group of 18.

· The witnesses should not be related to the applicant by marriage or by blood.

· The witnesses cannot be your attending physician.

· They cannot be the employee of the hospital where you are receiving treatment.

· Witnesses should not be related to your estate as per your will or by operation of law.

· They should not have any claim against your estate.

The conflict of interest is verified by the notary professionals prior to signing the documents.