The 3-Tier Estate Planning Professional Referral System

How to Become the Go-To Resource in Your Network

Have you ever been in a conversation or a notary appointment where someone asks, “Do you know a good estate planning attorney?” or “Who do you recommend for a living trust?” (If you haven't yet, you will)

At that moment, you have two choices:

1. Shrug and say you’re not sure. (A missed opportunity.)

2. Confidently provide a solid referral. (A trust-building moment.)

One of these keeps you forgettable. The other makes you memorable as a go-to resource in your network, one that people remember, trust, and refer over and over again.

The difference is a well-built referral system. Make it easy for both you AND the people you refer. 

Why Being a Connector Builds Your Business Faster Than Cold Prospecting Ever Will

Notary work is, at its core, a relationship-based business. You’re not just signing, dating, and  stamping papers, you’re guiding people through some of the most important moments of their lives. That means trust is everything.

And trust isn’t built by handing out business cards or hoping someone remembers you. 

It’s built by being useful.

• People do business with people they trust.

• People refer business to people they trust.

So, how do you build that trust faster? By being the one who solves problems, even when it has nothing to do with notary work.

This is where the 3-Tier Estate Planning Professional Referral System comes in. It’s not just a handy tool, it’s a game plan for positioning yourself as a valuable resource in your community.

The Power of the 3-Tier Referral System

A well-designed referral system gives you options when someone asks for help. Instead of scrambling, you can confidently recommend the best fit for their situation.

Here’s why that matters:

• It keeps you top of mind. People remember the person who solved their problem, not the one who handed them a business card and disappeared.

• It expands your influence. When professionals (like estate planning attorneys) see that you’re sending them quality referrals, they start sending business back to you.

• It strengthens your brand. Notaries who act as trusted resources (not just service providers) stand out from the crowd and attract more high-value opportunities.

The 3 Tiers of Estate Planning Referrals

Tier 1: Start Close to Home (Your Personal & Professional Network)

Before you start sending referrals to strangers, look within your own network. Who do you already know in the estate planning space? Honor your relationships. 

• Your own estate planning attorney

• A lawyer your family or friends have used

• A connection from a networking event

Start building a referral list of people you trust. (If you don’t have one yet, it’s time to start! Here’s an article that will help you. )

Don’t just collect names. 

Talk to your referral partners. 

Ask them, “What makes a good referral for you?” 

The better you understand their ideal client, the more valuable your referrals become.

Tier 2: Leverage a Budget-Friendly Non-Attorney Solution 

Not everyone wants (or can afford) an attorney for estate planning. Some people need a reliable but lower-cost option.

This is where having a trusted legal document preparation firm in your referral system is helpful. It gives your clients a choice and they’ll remember that you had a solution when they needed it. There’s a surprising number of these available! 

I partnered with a nationwide firm that offers legal document preparation with over thirty years of experience, and the ability to prepare documents in all 50 states. You can use them too! 

Details on how to refer your network to the firm can be found inside the Prosperity Hub in High Performance Notary. 

Learn More Here

The cool thing about this arrangement is that you can offer a FREE consultation to your clients, AND you can offer $500 off their Living Trust should they decide to proceed with this firm. 

And, our partner firm covers the cost of YOUR trust delivery agent fee if you’re the mobile notary they hire (you get first dibs), and their standard fee is $250 for that service. 

Tier 3: A Do-It-Yourself Option (With Built-In Recurring Revenue)

Some people want to handle estate planning on their own but don’t know where to start. Instead of leaving them to Google their way through it, give them a vetted, high-quality DIY solution.

This does two things:

• It serves your network. They get a trusted, affordable option.

• It builds passive income. If you partner with a reputable DIY estate planning platform, you can earn a commission while providing value. Win-win.

And, yes, we partnered with a reputable DIY document solution company that does have an affiliate program. You can even try the software first for free so you can feel confident in your referral!  Details are inside the Prosperity Hub in the High Performance Notary Collective. 

Learn More Inside (7-Day FREE Trial)

Stronger Referral Relationships That Lead to More Business

When you start actively referring business to estate planning professionals, you create reciprocity.

Think about it: If you consistently send qualified leads to an estate planning attorney, who do you think they’ll call when they need a mobile notary? You.

If you help a family get their estate planning done, who do you think they’ll call when they need a notarization next year? You.

Referrals aren’t just a nice gesture. They’re a business strategy.

BOLO (Be on the Lookout) for Referral Opportunities

Here’s your challenge: Pay attention this week.

• Listen for conversations about estate planning.

• Ask yourself, “Do I have someone I trust to refer them to?”

• If not, start building out your referral list and your own 3-tier system NOW (Don’t wait until you need it).

The notaries who embrace the role of connector don’t just survive in this business, they thrive. 

You have to start doing the things that others are not doing. 

There’s no traffic in the extra mile. 

Speaking of which…

The Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent (CNTDA) program is your key to building a thriving, recession-proof business, one that continues to generate revenue even when loan signings slow down. As a CNTDA, you’ll play a vital role in delivering estate planning documents with professionalism and care, helping families secure their legacies while strengthening your own.

By mastering this high-value specialty, you’ll increase your income, expand your opportunities, and become a trusted resource for attorneys and their clients. If you’re ready to make a real impact while creating volume and revenue in your notary business, now is the time to step up.

Join the CNTDA program today and take control of your future!