Some appointments stay with you long after the notarization is over.

A while ago, I received an urgent call from a family whose loved one was seriously ill. They needed a Power of Attorney notarized immediately. You could hear the worry in their voices. They understood how important the document was, and they were hoping there was still time.

When I arrived, it became painfully clear that the signer was no longer able to communicate or demonstrate the awareness required for a notarization. As a California notary public, I cannot judge someone’s wishes based on what family members tell me. I must be able to determine that the signer understands the document, is signing willingly, and can communicate with me directly. No matter how much I wanted to help, I couldn’t legally notarize the document.

The room fell silent.

What made the moment especially heartbreaking was knowing that this family had every intention of doing the right thing. Life simply moved faster than they expected. Like many of us, they believed there would be another day, another week, another opportunity.

August is Make-A-Will Month, and it serves as an important reminder that estate planning isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about protecting the people you love while you still have the ability to make your own decisions. A will, a Power of Attorney, and an Advance Health Care Directive are some of the most meaningful gifts you can leave your family because they provide clarity during moments that are already emotionally overwhelming.

The best time to sign these documents is not during a medical emergency. It’s when you’re healthy, clear-minded, and able to thoughtfully consider your wishes. Planning ahead gives you control. Waiting may take that opportunity away.

As someone who witnesses these moments firsthand, I’ve learned that the most valuable appointments are often the ones completed before they’re urgently needed. They bring peace of mind, preserve a person’s voice, and spare families from difficult decisions during times of crisis.

If you’ve been meaning to complete your estate plan, let August be the reminder you needed. Your future self and the people you care about will thank you for taking the time today.

Valuable resources:

• California Court Self-Help Guide: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/wills-estates-probate/legal-documents
• Ridley Law – Free California Estate Planning Tools: https://ridleylawoffices.com/estate-tools/
• FreeWill: http://www.freewill.com/
• Everything Living Trusts: https://www.everythinglivingtrusts.com?aff=5307806f

Preparation brings peace. Delay creates risk.

You do not need a complicated plan to start. You just need to take action.