Posted by Jon_PA on 10/17/06 1:54pm
Msg #153064

Power of Attorney...in hospital

I did my first POA in at a patient's "death bed" today. A man surrounded by his entire family. Most of them were very emotional. It was a very powerful experience. Maintaining a professional demeanor was challenging. We completed the docs quickly and the family was most grateful. I did not realize going in to this experience what it entailed. I will be much better prepared if I am called to do this again. This was more difficult than my first REFI. I am curious if anyone has had a similar experience?

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 10/17/06 3:20pm
Msg #153089

I've done many deathbed notarizations

I like end-of-life appointments. People are very kind to each other.

The first few were very intense experiences, like yours. It gets easier.

I always check for understanding and free will. I've had to decline to notarize a few times due to medication. One time I declined because the signer of the will was clearly being coerced. That was a nasty scene.

These types of signings are not for the timid.

Reply by Jersey_Boy on 10/17/06 3:30pm
Msg #153094

Re: I've done many deathbed notarizations

I've also done quite a few document signings with the very ill and/or deathbed patients. I've been in a few VERY uncomfortable situations when this happens. So I adopted a few rules:

NOBODY is to be in the room except the signer of the document, any applicable witnesses, and myself. I also very politely request that the witnesses to be silent. I don't want them chatting about anything. They are there to witness the transaction, and you don't witness with your mouth, only your eyes.

There is NO reason for anyone else to be in the room. No sons, daughters, parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, bikini bearing sponge bath providors, ice cream vendors, yoga instructors, circus clowns, or lion tamers permitted.

Reply by Gary_CA on 10/17/06 3:34pm
Msg #153096

Yeah right...

I'm willing to believe that you've kicked out sons, daughters, parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, ice cream vendors, yoga instructors, circus clowns,

and even lion tamers.


But are you trying to tell us you would throw a bikini wearing sponge bath provider out of any room you were in????

I got a bridge to sell.

Reply by Jersey_Boy on 10/17/06 3:38pm
Msg #153099

depends on the bikini... lol n/m