Posted by mes/IL on 8/2/05 7:05pm
Msg #56508

Need some advice....

I was called by a couple today, to see if I would go to their physician's office to notarize a letter or affidavit for an out of the country adoption.Since the physician is the only signature required, this couple will not be there.I was told by the husband that the information on what needs to be notarized is basically stating that both husband and wife are healthy and of sound mind to proceed with the adoption process.I have never notarized anything like this, am hoping that there is some notarial wording where I can sign and notarize. I know that alot of you have done adoptions, but has anyone done anything like this.I have notarized a medical affidavit pertaining to a lawsuit,but that was drawn up by an attorney, and I'm not sure what to expect tomorrow.I am hoping for something that is legal looking, not just a physicians letter...tia

Reply by AnneSoCa on 8/2/05 7:17pm
Msg #56509

I did one of these a couple of weeks ago. When I spoke to the couple over the phone, I asked them if there was any notarial wording on the document they needed notarized. They said there was, so I figured that would work fine.

There was some wording that looked like a jurat, so I attached a loose certificate (since it wasn't up to CA jurat wording standards) and did the notarizations. Usually, the adoption agency is the one requesting the notarization, so they have the form all ready for the adoptive parents (I happen to be an adoptive parent myself, so I love doing these!).

Anyway, I just went in to the Dr.'s office and entered his ID information in my book, had him sign and I was done! The doctor asked for my card because he said they need notaries from time to time, so it worked out great!

Good luck, and take some loose certificates with you just in case!

Reply by Charm_AL on 8/2/05 7:19pm
Msg #56510

Take an ack with you to attach to the doctor's form in case there isn't a place on it for you to notarize. Also, give the couple a receipt as they will most likely pay you with cash or check. This is a simple notarization

Reply by mes/IL on 8/2/05 7:24pm
Msg #56513

Anne and Charm, thanks so much. I want to do the right thing for this couple, they informed me they will be needing me for other notarizations down the line concerning the adoption.I am planning on researching this further once I know what else they need from me, but this first one is tomorrow and I feel better going prepared.Thanks again.

Reply by JanetK/CA on 8/3/05 1:19am
Msg #56542

I've done several of these and the comments above are correct. Some had forms with notarial wording, some didn't. In one case, the doctor just typed up a letter with the requested information. Per CA notary law, I had to describe the two options for types of notarizations and have them decide which to use (i.e. jurat vs. ack), so it's a good idea to have both types of certs avail. The last one turned out great because not only did each of the parents have a different doctor, but one set of grandparents also needed their doctors' statements, so one call turned into several. Always very nice people, too!