How to Become a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent

The short answer

A trust delivery agent is a notary who meets with clients on behalf of an estate planning attorney to deliver, present and oversee the signing of a completed trust and estate plan. The Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent (CNTDA) credential comes from a certification course and exam developed for this work. It is a private credential, not a state license: in Massachusetts, the only government requirement is a notary commission. The credential signals that you know how trust packages are organized, how signings should run and where the line between notary work and legal advice sits.

What a trust delivery agent does

• Receives the finished trust package and instructions from the attorney's office.
• Meets the clients at their home, office or care facility.
• Walks the clients through the organization of the package: which document is which, where to sign and what the attorney asked to be reviewed.
• Coordinates witnesses for documents that require them, such as wills and health care proxies.
• Notarizes the documents that require notarization and checks every signature, date and initial.
• Returns the originals and any copies to the attorney or clients, as instructed.
• Refers every legal question back to the attorney.

What a trust delivery agent does not do

A trust delivery agent who is not an attorney cannot explain the legal effect of the trust, recommend changes, choose trustees or beneficiaries, or answer questions about taxes or Medicaid planning. In Massachusetts, a non-attorney notary also cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents for others. The attorney prepares the plan and remains responsible for the legal advice; the agent handles the signing professionally and accurately.

Massachusetts signing requirements to know

How to become a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent

1. Hold a current notary commission. See How to Become a Notary in Massachusetts.
2. Complete the CNTDA certification course, which covers trust packages, signing procedures, ethics and confidentiality.
3. Pass the certification exam.
4. Carry errors and omissions insurance, and keep your notary journal meticulously.
5. Build relationships with estate planning attorneys, who are the primary source of this work.

Why attorneys use trust delivery agents

Estate planning attorneys spend significant time on signing meetings. A well-trained agent lets the attorney serve more clients, and lets clients sign at home, in the hospital or in a care facility. Attorneys look for agents who are punctual, discreet, organized and scrupulous about staying within their role. Our team holds the CNTDA credential and handles trust and estate signings across Greater Boston. See Estate Plan Signing Ceremony and For Law Firms.

Is it worth it?

Trust and estate work is steady, less dependent on interest rates than loan signings, and often comes with repeat referrals from the same attorneys. It also requires patience and emotional intelligence: signings often happen during illness or family transitions. See Notary Specialties and Niches.

What a trust package often includes

• Revocable living trust and any amendments or restatements. See Trust Amendments.
• Pour-over will.
• Certificate of trust. See Certificates of Trust.
• Deeds transferring real estate into the trust. See Deeds to Trust.
• Durable powers of attorney and health care proxies.
• HIPAA authorizations and personal care instructions.
• Assignment of personal property and funding instructions.
• Successor trustee documents. See Successor Trustees.

Qualities attorneys look for

• Punctuality and clear communication with the attorney's office.
• A calm, patient manner with clients who may be ill or anxious.
• Meticulous attention to signatures, dates and witness requirements.
• Absolute confidentiality.
• The discipline to say, "That is a great question for your attorney."