"Mama Bear" Legal Forms

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Zero. Massive marketing scam.

These firms are available online - free.

Virginia is a state that does not even require a notary. Parents can be witnesses—even those signing.

But my work has a notary- so just had them notarized as a pre action

Agree. It’s an unnecessary money-grab. Many states have statutory forms that are available for free online. A friend was recently looking to have a Mama Bear form notarized and I pointed out that only witnesses were needed in our state, not a notary.

The mama bear forms we printed out say "Notarization recommended but not required," but we need two witnesses. For the FERPA, the kid just needs to sign.

The witnesses can actually be the signing parents. Strange, but that is what the VA law says.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Zero. Massive marketing scam.

These firms are available online - free.

Virginia is a state that does not even require a notary. Parents can be witnesses—even those signing.

But my work has a notary- so just had them notarized as a pre action

Agree. It’s an unnecessary money-grab. Many states have statutory forms that are available for free online. A friend was recently looking to have a Mama Bear form notarized and I pointed out that only witnesses were needed in our state, not a notary.

The mama bear forms we printed out say "Notarization recommended but not required," but we need two witnesses. For the FERPA, the kid just needs to sign.

The witnesses can actually be the signing parents. Strange, but that is what the VA law says.

so basically you and your spouse are the witnesses.

[Anonymous]

We did the medical power of attorney one for our middle kid simply because she has a lifelong illness, and there's a very real possibility she could be hospitalized or worse.

We did not do any for our oldest.

[Anonymous]

But... aren't the parents next of kin were such a situation to arise? Don't they get information from the ER or ICU as they would if their child was a minor?

[Anonymous]

We have medical and financial POA. We got them free online but if it’s easier for you to just use Mama Bear they are legit. We got them notarized at UPS. Easy breezy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wut

+1 que?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But... aren't the parents next of kin were such a situation to arise? Don't they get information from the ER or ICU as they would if their child was a minor?

POA makes things more clear and certain to avoid (or minimize) chance of disputes if multiple family members emerge with different opinions on what to do when the person is incapacitated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I do not understand people willing to spend six figures on education who insist on cheating out on power of attorney and similar documents instead of consulting an attorney. These things can’t be fixed if a mistake is discovered after they’re needed.

I’m a former attorney and I think it’s totally unnecessary to go to an attorney for this.
We used Mama Bear. Yes, they are available online and you could do it yourself. We were busy in the month leading up to college moves and it was convenient.

[Anonymous]

We used Mama Bear. It’s simple, inexpensive, concise, good layout, and few pages. We notarized. Your kids will appreciate the sense of security. They may not admit it, but they do. Freshman get all the crud. Not unusual for ER or urgent care visits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But... aren't the parents next of kin were such a situation to arise? Don't they get information from the ER or ICU as they would if their child was a minor?

Not necessarily. And don’t count on the school to share any information either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We used Mama Bear. It’s simple, inexpensive, concise, good layout, and few pages. We notarized. Your kids will appreciate the sense of security. They may not admit it, but they do. Freshman get all the crud. Not unusual for ER or urgent care visits.

We are doing them, too, but are you using these forms when your child is generally ill?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Zero. Massive marketing scam.

Yep. They keep posting here every year, but I doubt they're getting many takers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Zero. Massive marketing scam.

Yes. I printed free copies online of all the forms.

Same here.

[Anonymous]

Would love a link to the free forms for the state of Virginia from one of the attorneys posting above. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My DS has a serious mental health issue so I'm glad I did all of this. He may be at a point where he is unable to make sound medical decisions. He agreed and he signed the forms the week after he turned 18.