Military life at Fort Cavazos runs on powers of attorney. Before a deployment, a rotation, or a PCS move, someone back home needs legal authority to register the car, manage the bank account, sign the lease, or make decisions for the kids. A power of attorney (POA) is the document that makes that possible — and it almost always needs to be notarized.
Start with the Legal Assistance Office
Here's the honest first answer: the Fort Cavazos Legal Assistance Office prepares and notarizes powers of attorney free of charge for eligible personnel — typically service members, retirees, and dependents with a valid military ID. If you're eligible and their schedule works for you, use them. That's what they're there for.
When a Mobile Notary Makes Sense Instead
In practice, families call us when the free option can't fit the situation:
- You're not eligible for legal assistance. A soldier's parents, siblings, girlfriend, or business partner generally can't use JAG services — but they're often the ones who need documents signed and notarized.
- The timing doesn't work. Legal assistance keeps business hours and appointments fill up before big deployments. We work weekday evenings until 8 PM and weekends 9 AM to 5 PM.
- The other party is signing. Sometimes it's the spouse in Copperas Cove or the grandparent in Gatesville who needs to sign an acceptance, affidavit, or related document.
- Your own attorney or lender prepared the document. Custom POAs, guardianship authorizations, and closing documents can be notarized wherever and whenever works for you.
- Someone is signing from far away. A deployed service member's spouse stateside can often use remote online notarization to sign without driving anywhere.
What to Bring to a POA Notarization
- A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID (military ID, driver's license, or passport)
- The complete, unsigned document — you must sign in front of the notary
- Any witnesses the document requires (we can discuss options when you book)
One Important Note
Notaries verify identity and witness signatures — we can't draft documents, tell you which type of POA you need, or give legal advice. The Legal Assistance Office or a licensed attorney handles that part. Once the document is ready, we make the signing easy: at home, at a coffee shop near your gate, or anywhere in the Fort Cavazos, Killeen, and Copperas Cove area.
Book Before the Rush
POA lines get long before major deployments. If your unit has dates on the calendar, don't wait — call (254) 566-4397 or request an appointment online and get it done on your schedule.