Short Answer

In North Carolina, bring a valid government photo ID, any prior original estate documents you intend to revoke or replace, and your finalized list of names and addresses for your executor, agents, and beneficiaries. Your will must be signed with two witnesses (a notary is added to make it “self-proved”), your financial power of attorney must be notarized, and your health care power of attorney and living will require two qualified witnesses plus a notary.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina, what do you need to bring to a law firm so you can sign your will, powers of attorney, and advance directives at a one-hour appointment with a notary and witnesses? You want to be sure the documents are executed correctly the first time and that nothing delays your signing.

Apply the Law

North Carolina law sets simple but strict signing rules. A will is valid when you sign it in front of two witnesses. A notary is not required for the will to be valid, but adding a notarized self‑proving affidavit makes probate much easier later. A financial (durable) power of attorney must be notarized. A health care power of attorney and a living will must be signed in front of two qualified, disinterested witnesses and a notary. Because notaries must verify identity, bring a current government‑issued photo ID.

Key Requirements

• Will execution: You sign in front of two witnesses; original signatures required. A notary may also take a self‑proving affidavit to streamline probate.
• Financial Power of Attorney: Your signature must be acknowledged by a notary.
• Health Care Power of Attorney: Sign before two qualified, disinterested witnesses and a notary.
• Advance Directive (Living Will): Sign before two qualified, disinterested witnesses and a notary.
• Identification for notarization: Bring a valid government photo ID so the notary can verify your identity.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 31-3.3 (Execution of will) – Will signed by testator and attested by two competent witnesses.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 31-11.6 (Self‑proving wills) – Testator and witnesses can add a notarized affidavit to make the will self‑proved.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 32C-1-105 (Execution of power of attorney) – Financial power of attorney must be signed and acknowledged before a notary.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 90-321 (Right to a natural death) – Provides the framework and form for a living will, including witnessing and notarization.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because your firm has scheduled a one‑hour review with a notary and witnesses, you mainly need to bring a valid photo ID for notarizations. Bring any prior original wills, powers of attorney, or advance directives you are replacing so they can be revoked or collected. Also bring your final list of names and addresses for your executor and agents to ensure the documents match what you intend.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: No court filing is required for the signing. Where: At the law firm with its notary and witnesses. What: You will sign your will before two witnesses, then sign a self‑proving affidavit before the notary; sign your financial power of attorney before the notary; and sign your health care power of attorney and living will before two qualified witnesses and the notary. When: During your scheduled one‑hour appointment.
2. The firm verifies IDs, confirms witness eligibility for health care documents, and coordinates the order of signatures so all formalities are met. This typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the number of documents.
3. The firm assembles notarizations, provides you with originals and copies, and gives basic instructions on storing originals and informing your fiduciaries.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Health care witnesses must be disinterested; avoid using anyone who could benefit under your will, your health care providers, or close relatives where disqualified.
• No valid ID means no notarization; bring an unexpired government photo ID that matches your legal name in the documents.
• Bring prior originals you intend to revoke so the firm can collect or expressly revoke them in the new documents.
• Confirm all names and addresses for your fiduciaries and beneficiaries before the appointment to avoid last‑minute edits that can extend the signing.

Talk to a Estate Planning Attorney

If you’re dealing with finalizing your North Carolina will, powers of attorney, or advance directives at a scheduled signing, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.