“Can You Just Help Me Fill This Out?” 3 Questions That Could Cost You More Than You Think

Claudia Mitchell-McLeod • July 14, 2025

When April walked into the rehab facility that Tuesday afternoon, she wasn’t expecting to be anyone’s legal expert.

Her father had been moved there after a stroke, and the case manager told her he needed to sign a Power of Attorney that same day. April called Notary Near Me Florida in a panic:

“I have the form, but it’s blank. Can you help me fill it out?”

That sounds like a simple ask—but it's one that could cost more than you think.

As notaries, we get these requests all the time:

“Can you tell me what goes in this section?”
“Should I initial here or just sign?”
“I don’t know which document to use—can you help me choose?”

Here’s the truth: we want to help. But Florida law draws a hard line—and for your protection, we can’t cross it.

When someone asks for help completing, choosing, or interpreting a legal document, they’re asking for legal advice—something only an attorney is authorized to provide.

Under Florida law, a commissioned notary public:

Can verify your identity, witness your signature, and complete the notarial certificate.
Cannot tell you which form to use.
Cannot explain what a document means.
Cannot fill in blanks or help you complete the paperwork—even if we understand it.

Why? Because doing so would be considered unauthorized practice of law (UPL)—and it puts you at risk, not just us.

We’ve seen families sign the wrong type of POA… lose access to bank accounts… or face rejection from state offices because the form was incomplete or incorrect. That 15-minute mistake could cost you thousands.

At Notary Near Me Florida, we’re committed to keeping your notarization legal, secure, and stress-free. Here’s how you can avoid a costly delay:

Review documents with your attorney (or the requesting agency) before scheduling
Bring valid ID that matches the name on your paperwork
Let us know in advance if witnesses are required—we can provide them if needed, even if you don't personally know anyone nearby
Ask questions ahead of time—text or call Notary Near Me Florida at 813-239-4117 to confirm what’s allowed and what’s not

And if you're in a hospital, nursing home, or facing a time-sensitive situation, we offer mobile and remote notarization options to help you move forward quickly—with confidence.

We know you’re under pressure. And we know that “Can you just help me fill this out?” feels like a small favor.

But protecting your rights, your finances, and your peace of mind starts with the right process.

At Notary Near Me Florida, we’ll guide you with care—without ever crossing the legal line.

As for April?

She called back after speaking with her father’s attorney, who confirmed exactly what needed to be filled in. We met her at the facility the next morning. With the form complete and two witnesses in place, her father signed with clarity and peace of mind.

April’s relief was visible. “Thank you for being honest yesterday,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much could go wrong. I’m so glad I called you.”

Because in the end, one question—

“Can you just help me fill this out?”

—could cost more than you think… unless you call the right notary.