Notary at Rady Children's Hospital
Bedside notarizations at Rady Children's Hospital in Kearny Mesa, day or night. Powers of attorney, advance health care directives, wills and property documents.
We come to patients at Rady Children's Hospital in Kearny Mesa for bedside notarizations, at any hour, usually at short notice. Paediatric care, where the signings are usually by parents rather than the patient.
These appointments are almost always about something that cannot wait: a power of attorney before a procedure, an advance health care directive, a will or trust, or a property document with a deadline attached. We try to keep the visit short, calm and out of the way of the clinical staff.
Documents we are usually called for
- Durable power of attorney for finances
- Advance health care directive and medical power of attorney
- Wills, trusts and trust amendments
- Deeds and property transfers
- Beneficiary designations and insurance forms
- Loan or sale documents where a party is in hospital
Before we come to Rady Children's Hospital
Three things decide whether the visit works, and all three are worth checking now rather than when we arrive:
- Is the patient alert and able to communicate? California requires the signer to understand what they are signing and to indicate that themselves. They do not need to be strong or well, but they must be aware. If they drift in and out, tell us when they are usually clearest and we will come then.
- Is there valid photo ID? A hospital wristband is not ID. If the driving licence or passport is at home, send someone for it. Where that is impossible, California allows two credible identifying witnesses who personally know the patient and have their own ID – call us and we will work out whether that route is available to you.
- Are witnesses arranged, if the document needs them? Hospital staff are frequently not permitted to witness. Bring two adults who are not named in the document and not related to the signer.
We will tell you straight away if it cannot be done. If a patient is unconscious, heavily sedated or unable to indicate understanding, no notary may act – and a notarization obtained anyway can be challenged and voided later, usually at the worst possible moment for the family. We would rather say so on the phone than take your money in the car park.
Practical notes
- Check with the ward first. Most hospitals are perfectly happy for an outside notary to attend, but some units have visiting restrictions or prefer the social work team to know. A quick call avoids a wasted trip.
- Tell us where to meet – which building, which floor, and whether there is a visitor desk to sign in at.
- Have the complete document, not just the signature page, and leave the signature lines blank.
- If the patient cannot write, California allows signing by mark with two witnesses. Tell us in advance so we bring the right wording.
Cost
The standard mobile rate: $95 for the visit, including travel and up to three notarized signatures. There is no hospital surcharge and no night surcharge. See the fee page.
Other hospitals we attend
- Scripps Mercy Hospital, Hillcrest
- UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center, La Jolla
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, Serra Mesa
- Palomar Medical Center, Escondido
- Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center, Grantville
- Naval Medical Center San Diego, Balboa Park
- Sharp Grossmont Hospital, La Mesa
- Tri-City Medical Center, Oceanside
- Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, La Jolla
We also cover care homes, hospices and rehabilitation facilities across the county. See hospital and care facility notary or mobile notary in San Diego.
Black Seal Mobile Notary is an independent mobile notary service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or employed by Rady Children's Hospital or its health system. We attend as a visitor at the patient's or family's request.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can a notary get to Rady Children's Hospital?
Usually within a couple of hours, and we take night calls. For something urgent, call or text (858) 888-8060 rather than using the form.
The patient has no ID at the hospital. Can you still notarize?
Possibly, through credible identifying witnesses – two people who personally know the patient, have their own valid ID, and are not named in the document. Call and describe who is available and we will tell you before driving out.
Can you notarize if the patient is on strong pain medication?
It depends entirely on whether they are alert and able to indicate that they understand and want to sign. Medication by itself is not disqualifying; being unable to communicate understanding is. We assess it at the bedside and will say honestly if we cannot proceed.
Do you charge extra to come to Rady Children's Hospital?
No. It is the standard $95 visit fee, including travel and up to three signatures, with no surcharge for a hospital or for an unsociable hour.
Next step
Tell us what you need
We will come back with a time and a firm price. If it is urgent, call or text (858) 888-8060.