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May 10, 2017

Notary for a USA President Candidate

Filed under: Ken Edelstein,Popular on Facebook (some),Popular Overall — admin @ 8:40 am

The call comes in for an urgent notarization. We need to file some important paperwork within the next 2 hours; can you positively guarantee arrival within that timeframe? Knowing the 5 star hotel was only a mile away I replied “sure”. Oddly, for an “individual” request; the caller stressed that the notarization had to be “absolutely perfect” and withstand close scrutiny. I assure the caller that my work would stand up to any examination; and that I required “Govt. issued photo ID” and acceptance of the standard oath given by Notaries. “A by the book Notary is exactly what we require”; please be sure to be on time.

The caller had identified as an aide to the affiant, but assured me that the affiant had a driver license that was current. May I speak to the person signing, I asked. Sorry, no; however we will prepay on your web site your fee; and I can assure you there will be no problems. Moments later the familiar “ding” comes from my phone – the sound of a PayPal payment. Figuring “movie star”, I depart for that rather expensive hotel. Traffic was kind and I arrived within an hour.

Manhattan has many celebrities, and a tiny fraction of them have called upon my services. But I was unprepared for the scene upon my arrival. There were barricades around the hotel entrance and a large police presence. Not the usual police, these had the big guns and riot gear. Groan, how would I ever get into the hotel? I never suspected they were there to protect my client! I did not even know the client’s name – yet. The one thing I did have was the room number.

Stopped at the security perimeter, I was asked my business at the hotel. I explained that I was a Notary Public with an appointment to go to room xxx to notarize a document. Someone in plain clothes is called over by the uniformed officer. That person talks into a device, and a moment later I am cleared past the outer barrier. The polite person follows me into the lobby. “I will need to inspect your bag” – fine, it’s just notary supplies. A very detailed search is made. “To go to room xxx I will need to search your person”, “it will be a very complete search of your body, do I have your permission to search you?” – “do you have any weapons?” – I have no weapons, go ahead. I am taken to a small room off the lobby. The agent proceeds to very thoroughly search me, hat to shoes; making sure there is nothing anywhere on my person that is a weapon.

After the search I am escorted to the door of room xxx. Behind the door is a bank of computers and a full staff busy at work. I am taken to a desk and told to wait. A few minutes later the aide who initially called me hands me my fee (again) – this time in cash. I reply that my fee has already been paid. This is extra for the delays in granting your clearance. We also ask that you do not disclose to anyone who you will be notarizing or the nature of the document. I agree, and am asked to sign a non-disclosure document; I read it and sign it.

A few minutes later in walks a person wanting to become President of the United States. That person gives me a warm greeting and actually asks if I would like some coffee! I decline citing that it’s bad procedure to have liquids on the same table as documents. A warm smile and a chuckle – followed by “of course, that’s a good policy”. The notarization proceeds in a routine manner with ID, signing, oath and notarization (with embossing). Afterward, the aide hands me a paper cup of coffee and walks me out past the security screen. That’s all I can say.

.

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November 20, 2016

Power Of Attorney Documents – Submitted as a double credit document

Filed under: Ken Edelstein,Popular on Facebook (shares) — Tags: — admin @ 9:22 pm

Power of Attorney vs a Will
There are many types of Power of Attorney documents. However, the general theme is that someone is granting authority to someone else. A Will contains the maker’s words, directives and decisions. The executor of a Will is not a decider of asset allocation, rather a facilitator of the deceased’s allocation desires. In contrast to a Will, the Agent of the Principal (of a Power of Attorney) “may” have the authority to “call the shots” – or, the Agent may be severely constrained. Usually the Agent has “some” authority to sign for the Principal. In almost all cases, the authority granted by a Power of Attorney ceases upon the Principal’s death. The Principal granting power to the Agent may revoke such power at any time unless incapacitated. A Will can also be revoked, until Probate…..

Lifespan of the Power of Attorney
The Durable Power of Attorney – (General or Limited) remains in effect when the Principal becomes incapacitated. If the Power of Attorney is not Durable, the authority of the Agent does not exist if the Principal is in no condition to revoke the authority.

The Springing Power of Attorney – Similar to the Durable, the Springing only “comes into effect” when the Principal is incapacitated. As the definition of incapacitation can vary, the specific definition of the “trigger” should be specified in detail in the document itself.

Scope of the Power of Attorney

The General Power of Attorney – This allows the Agent to sign the name of the Principal unless it’s illegal for them to do so. One example: you can’t grant power for someone to sign your notary signature. If the word Durable is included, the power remains unless revoked or death of the Principal.

The Limited Power of Attorney – (sometimes called a Special Power of Attorney) grants from Principal to Agent authority to perform specific actions. Often this format contains an expiration date. Commonly used with loan documents, authority is granted for the Agent to sign various paperwork related to obtaining real estate.

Entitlement of Agent to Receive Payment

Unrelated to the “Gift Rider”; when the Agent manages (in some jurisdictions) property, they have a statutory right to be paid. Amounts vary, but a very rough guideline (unless otherwise specified) is:
3% of money received by the attorney,
3% of money paid out by the attorney on your behalf, and
3/5 of 1% of the average annual value of the assets covered under your power of attorney.

In personal transactions, the Agent has no right to be paid unless specified by the Principal. In some cases, the Agent applies to the Court to allow payment for Agent Services. In the vast majority of what we will see as Notary Publics, payment is rarely a concern or specified. When a payment arrangement exists, it will usually be part of a separate contract and not contained in the distributed Power of Attorney.

How the Agent uses their Authority

Assume Lock is giving Key an Agent relationship. Key would probable use one of the following formats:
Lock by Key as Attorney-In-Fact
Key as Attorney-In-Fact for Lock
Opinions vary, I prefer the first example because Lock is written first matching the “under the line”.

Considerations for the Notary

ID – Follow your jurisdiction requirements – To The Letter. Power of Attorney documents can easily be litigated in a court. Look very closely at the ID, if it’s a 35 year ago picture does it look like the affiant?

Capability – a tough one, but I like to ask why they are signing, what does this document do?

Initials – Almost never required, but let’s think about it a bit. Initials are mainly used to acknowledge seeing a page. But, I submit they also “mark” a specific page as having been accepted. While I don’t suggest affiants to initial each page (Principal, Agent(s), Monitor(s) and Successor Agent(s)) – I would insist upon it if I was the Principal and not the Notary.

Blank Lines – The Principal should consider a N/A in each not-applicable area. For example: there is usually an area for the “second agent”. If this was subsequently completed, and a “loose ack” added to the document – it might appear that the second agent was approved by the Principal.

Oath – I know, many do not bother to administer an oath. On Power of Attorney documents ya better!

Suggest More, Earn More – Under most jurisdictions, a photocopy of a notarized document – is Not a notarized document. One copy will suffice for a task specific use, as in a Signing. However, a general care giver might need many copies. It is likely that a financial institution will require an original for them to permit the Agent to use their power(s). Your client might not know this, often they assume a photo copy will work the same as an original that was “wet signed” and embossed. A few dollars for each extra copy is a value to your client and might add up to some Sesame Chicken for you.

Witnesses – rare for Power of Attorney but does occur. I feel the witnesses should also be notarized whenever possible. The California “Long Form” Acknowledgement is perfect for this as it has specific areas to associate the “loose ack” to witnessing the document.

Closing Thoughts

I receive many calls for processing Power of Attorney documents. Often the caller is somewhat angry about their recent notary experience. They relate that the notary at the bank refused to notarize a totally legal to process document, it’s bank policy – they relate. The bank does not want their “deep pockets” as part of litigation. These are much more likely to be contested than an application for a passport.

It’s not often, but sometimes someone wants me to notarize their self written Power of Attorney. Of course I can do that, but I caution them that, in the majority of my experience – the document is not in a state specific standard form. Furthermore, your document might not be accepted as you intend. I am willing to proceed, but you have been cautioned that it might not suffice. They can make an informed decision.

Sometimes for a Power of Attorney signing I receive a copy (photocopy or via email) of the relevant Power of Attorney. They send it so I can “verify” and “accept” the Agent signing for the Principal. It is my opinion that I have no requirement to see that document. First, I am not an Attorney, and “technically” am not qualified to judge, read, or take any action; even if the original “wet signed” was submitted. Nor would I be in a position to know if the authority had been revoked, or if the Principal is deceased. When I notarize “Lock by Key as Attorney-in-Fact” – I am notarizing Key – only. Key is stating explicitly, and under oath (I think – it gets a bit fuzzy here, I’m not an attorney) that Key currently has AIF authority.

At the start of this blog entry I mentioned Lifespan and Scope and covered the more commonly used documents. Note that their characteristics can be combined in multiple ways. I think there could be, of the ones covered Four Factorial permutations: 4 * 3 * 2 *1 = 24 variations! This is one document that I never want to have to read and explain (with liability!) to those I will notarize.

.

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October 19, 2013

Notarized Document Expired Identification

Filed under: Identification For Being Notarized — admin @ 8:18 am

Using expired identification cards

As a notary public, you will be bombarded with various types of identification — some will be current, some expired, some foreign, and some forged.

Expired ID? Check the issue date!
Some states allow an ID to be used for a particular number of years after the issue date. Many identification cards will document the issue date somewhere on the ID even if they don’t say what that date is. You can kind of guess what that date represents because it is not their birth date or expiration date. Using expired identification cards might be legal in particular states. California and Tennessee allow a notary to use an ID within five years of its origination date / date of issue.

Check your state’s notary handbook to find out the current laws in your state regarding what types of identification are legitimate in your state! Using expired ID cards just might be okay just as long as they are not “too old”.

If you cannot get identification that is acceptable in your state, many states allow the use of credible witnesses that can swear to the identity of the signer. Those witnesses are normally friends, relatives, hall mates, or neighbors of the signer.

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Credible Witnesses – the ins and outs
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Notary Public 101 – Identification
http://blog.123notary.com/?p=19507

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April 28, 2013

Best Practices: When it is legal to notarize a document twice?

Filed under: Best Practices,Ninja Theme Articles — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 8:29 am

Q. When is it legal to notarize twice?

A. Any time you get two journal entries for the document in question and attach two separate certificates.

How is this?

Many notaries fall into unfortunate circumstances. We live in a day and age when old fashioned common sense is not a part of life any more — at least not in the Title industry. A notary will be given an Acknowledgment form with wording that just isn’t acceptable. Perhaps the venue is for a different county or state. Perhaps there are two names on the Acknowledgment when there is only one signer — and a cross out will just look funny. Maybe something else will be wrong. Use your imagination here — you are notaries!

So, should you cross-out Jim’s name on the Acknowledgment form since only Jane is there and Jim is on a business trip? Or should you attach an additional acknowledgment form and leave the original blank? The issue here is much more than what the law says. The law doesn’t address cross outs to my knowledge although it definately seems that it is not a “best practice” since it looks dubious and possibly fraudulent.

Do you really want your notarized documents to look tampered with? That is what notarizing a document with a cross-out looks like. Sure you do it all the time, but what if fraud really is involved and you get called into court just because you think it is fine and dandy to simply, “cross out and initial — I do it all the time”. Well, stop doing it all the time on notarized documents. It is a “worst practice”, not a best practice. Best practices include starting fresh with a clean acknowledgment and filling out properly with not only the state required wording, but also a document name, document date, document description, number of pages, etc. If you are smart, you will emboss every page on every document that you notarize whether the clients like it or not — for your protection. It makes page swapping after the fact very noticeable and detectable.

So, I recommend the fresh acknowledgment approach since it is clean and a best practice. But, on the other hand, what about notarizing the document twice and giving the lender a choice of the messy cross-out version, or the clean attached version. Some lenders HATE attachments (even though it is legal and kosher). Many lenders do not mind cross-outs even though it is abominable to anyone with standards. So, if you give them a choice, at least they will have less cause to be unhappy. They will know that you went above and beyond for them.

However, you will be committing fraud if you send a loose acknowledgment in the mail to the lender who doesn’t like your first attempt. Sure you already notarized it, but now there are two certificates floating around and not attached. The “best practice” here is to tell the lender you need the original back, you shred the certificate, add another certificate, and then send it back. Lenders don’t typically like best practices because it takes longer. Fraud is easier! But, don’t even think about it.

I will end this entry with a quote from a Yiddish folk story

Crime doesn’t pay, but oy, such good hours!

I will end this entry a second time, but this time with a line from a Mexican folk song about notarizations

Dos Acknowledmentos Un Documento?
Ay que paso en esta mundo?
Que voy aser con esta notario?
Llama el telefono a el Loan Officer por favor!

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November 18, 2011

Notarizing multi-page documents

Filed under: Loan Signing 101,SEO,Signing Tips,Ultra-Popular — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 12:32 am

Issues with Notarizing Multipage Documents / Documents with multiple pages
 
Most notaries can barely function doing the simplest of simple notary jobs.  When confronted with anything harder than doing a simple Acknowledgment or Jurat signing where the signer has acceptable identification and can easily sign — will throw most notaries off guard. There are many situations where you need credible witnesses, subscribing witnesses, have a power of attorney signing, attorney in fact signing, or other issue which can become a snag to many notaries.  Multi-page documents (documents with multiple pages) seem easy to notarize, but are they really? There are issues, but is the notary you erroneously hired aware of these issues?
 
Page swapping after the fact
Most notaries think they are there to notarize signatures on documents, and that is it.  The bigger function of a notary is fraud deterance, and to identify the signer.  If a notary does the minimum of what their job description requires, they might be acting within the law, but are they really being helpful to their clients, or to society as a whole?  If a notary notarizes a ten page document or multiple page document, and the document custodian (whomever is in charge of the document after it is signed) decides that page four needs to be edited, then what? 
 
In some circumstances a corrupted signer or document custodian will substitute page four with a newly written page four.  He/she/they will unstaple the document, hopefully as cleanly as possible, remove page four, and add another very similar looking page four, and hope nobody notices.  If there are two signers to the document and both have a copy, then there is evidence of tampering, but what if you don’t have copies, or you lost your copies.  There is no way to prove that the document was tampered with other than the faulty looking stapling job which would make any judge say, “hmmmm” and raise his eyebrows (judges often have bushy eyebrows by the way).  
 
Should you have the notary come back?
One signer asked me to kindly give them a new notary certificate for the new page they were adding to an already notarized document. I told them that documents are notarized as a whole and that if you change even one word, that the whole thing needs to be re-notarized.  They didn’t like that since they had already paid a travel fee. I made them redraw the signature page too, since I wanted fresh signatures which reflected the fact that they were signing in agreement to the whole document.  All of my prudent behavior aroused tremendous resistance, “oh come on’s”, and other complaining. The law is the law.  If you want to screw around, you shouldn’t be hiring a notary in the first place, right?  So, I made them start all over again with a complete redraw despite their complaining, and we notarized everything, and it was kosher.
 
Safeguards against fraud
In the case of multipage documents, the most effective way to safeguard against fraud (page-switching) is to emboss all pages of every document notarize.  If someone protests your embossing, tell them that you don’t have TIME to go to court after they do something fraudulent with their document, therefor, you take precautions against any tampering by embossing every page.  It is hard to forge an embosser, and hard to use it in the same way a notary uses it.  It might be easy to spot a false notarization which is important to get you out of court fast.  Imagine how many hundreds you would lose every day you were hijacked by a court case!
 
Initialing changes?
Initialing is a technology that I don’t like much.  If someone adds a new page to a multipage document, the initials “prove” that all signers agree to it, and safeguard against page-switching after the fact.  But, initials lack the same characteristics as a well established signature.  People don’t initial that much, and it is easy to forge them without detection. I think that initialing is better than nothing, but a poor safeguard against fraud.  I feel that if a signer gives a thumbprint on all pages of a document, that is much harder to forge.  I see no harm in signing all pages of a document. That is better than initialing since a signature is usually consistant (more or less) each time you sign.  Initials might not be, and it is yet another mark with it’s own characteristics.
 
Notarizing multiple pages without initials?
Not all multiple page documents require initials.  It is up to the company who drew the documents if they want initials or not. There is no law requiring that documents have initials, but Deeds of Trusts and Mortgages normally have places for the borrowers to initial at the bottom of all pages.
 
Forging initials
It is common for Title companies to forge someone’s initials on Deeds if the signer forgets to initial.  Forged initials on date changes are common as well.  Illegally forging someone’s initials on a name change happens all the time.  It is very hard to know for sure if an initial is forged, but the people who illegally forge signatures, are usually overworked clerks in large companies who have very little time — and they are sloppy how they forge initials. The forged initials don’t look at all like the real ones.  These workers need to know that they might have to go to jail for a crime like forgery, so they should refuse to do it!

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January 28, 2011

Don’t be intimidated

Filed under: Technical & Legal — Tags: — admin @ 9:18 am

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU AS NOTARIES HEARD THE FOLLOWING?
Don’t be intimidated. Know the laws and stand your ground. Be an empowered Notary!

1. My lawyer said that you don’t need to attach anything. Just sign it and I will get out of your hair.
2. The other Notary I went to did not attach anything to the same document. Why are you?
3. Look, I used to be a Notary. Don’t give me a hard time.
4. I am a Lawyer…I do this for a living. Please don’t question me.
5. Look, if you don’t do it there are a hundred other notaries who will be happy to have my business.

At the end of the day, you need to be confident in the Notary Laws. Take the 123 Notary exam and be listed as an Elite Certified Notary. At the beginning of every year print out the Notary handbook with any new law and us e it as your bible and source of reference when you are questioned. It will add to your credibility and boost your own confidence when you interact with the public especially an attorney who thinks he is the repository of all knowledge and just miraculously knows more than you a licensed Notary.

I have had encounters of the worst kind with Lawyers, Doctors, Real Estate professionals and even other Notaries who have repeatedly challenged me and when they did not like what I had to say took to the internet and unfairly left me and my company bad reviews spewing the most vituperative and vile stuff. I responded in a cool and calm manner on why the reviews were without basis and let the readers decide for themselves.

Here are a few examples of things you are asked to do that you should not do under any circumstances if you want to be a trusted Notary and keep being an advocate of best notary practices.:

1. A Doctor wants you to put your seal on the photo when the Notary Laws prohibit you from doing so.
2. The name on the document does not match the name on the ID
3. An Attorney does not want you to even glance through the document to check if it is complete complaining that it is an invasion of his client’s privacy.

You are licensed and knowledgeable. Don’t let people push you around. Enjoy what you do and help people in the process.

.

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September 27, 2024

Effective Social Media Marketing Strategies for Mobile Notaries

Filed under: Notary Marketing 102 — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

In today’s digital age, social media marketing is essential for professionals, including mobile notaries, to connect with potential clients. Finding a reliable notary who can come to them is invaluable for homeowners and business owners. But how can mobile notaries effectively reach their target audience? This blog will outline effective social media marketing strategies for mobile notaries to attract more clients. These tactics can increase your visibility, build trust, and grow your business.

Identify Your Audience

Before implementing social media strategies, it’s crucial to understand your audience. Homeowners and business owners need your services for various reasons, such as notarizing real estate transactions or legal documents. Tailoring your content to address their needs and concerns will help you connect with them more effectively.

Leverage Facebook for Local Outreach

  1. Create a Professional Business Page

Create a professional business page with relevant information, including your services, contact details, and a brief business description. Use high-quality images for your profile and cover photos to create a polished appearance.

  1. Join Local Groups and Engage

Joining local groups related to community services or real estate can be a goldmine for mobile notaries. Engage in conversations, offer advice, and answer questions related to notary services. This positions you as a helpful expert and builds trust with potential clients.

  1. Share Informative Content

Post regularly about topics like how to prepare for a notary appointment or the importance of notarizing documents correctly. This will keep your audience informed and showcase your expertise, making your profile more informative and helping your knowledge.

Use Instagram for Visual Engagement

  1. Showcase Your Services with Visuals

Instagram is perfect for sharing photos and videos that showcase your services. Post images of your mobile setup or short videos explaining notary procedures. Use relevant hashtags like #mobilenotary and #notaryservices to increase your visibility.

  1. Leverage Instagram Stories

Use Instagram Stories to share quick tips or answer frequently asked questions. Save these Stories in Highlights so new visitors can easily access them later. This will make your profile more informative and help potential clients understand your services better.

Maximize LinkedIn for Professional Networking

  1. Optimize Your Profile

LinkedIn is ideal for connecting with business owners. Ensure your profile includes a professional photo, compelling headline, and summary highlighting your expertise in mobile notary services. This will help you appear in searches when people look for notaries.

  1. Engage in Professional Groups

Join and participate in real estate, law, and business professional groups. Share relevant content and engage in discussions to build your reputation as a knowledgeable professional in the notary field.

Capitalize on Google My Business

  1. Create and Optimize Your Listing

Although not a traditional social media platform, Google My Business is crucial for local SEO. Create a detailed profile with your services, operating hours, and contact information. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews, as positive feedback enhances your credibility and helps potential clients find you easily.

Consistency and Engagement Are Crucial

No matter which platform you use, consistency and engagement are vital. Post regularly, promptly respond to comments and messages, and update your audience on service changes. This approach builds a solid online presence and fosters trust with your clients.

Building Your Online Presence

Employing these social media marketing strategies for mobile notaries to attract more clients can significantly boost your business. By leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google My Business, you can effectively reach your target audience and establish a strong online presence. Focus on creating valuable content, engaging with your audience, and maintaining consistency to grow your client base. For more information on notary best practices, learn about the importance of document date to ensure accuracy and compliance.

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July 26, 2024

Why Continuing Education Is Crucial for Notary Public Professionals

Filed under: General Articles — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

In today’s fast-paced world, professionals in every field must stay updated with the latest trends, regulations, and best practices. This is particularly true for notary public professionals who handle crucial documents for homeowners and business owners. Continuing education for notary public professionals is not just a regulatory requirement but a vital component for maintaining professionalism and competence. Let’s delve into why ongoing learning is so important for notaries.

Ensuring Compliance with Changing Laws

Laws and regulations governing notarial acts are constantly evolving. Notaries must stay current with these changes to ensure compliance and avoid legal repercussions. Continuing education programs offer updated information about new laws, helping notaries remain ahead of the curve. For instance, remote online notarization (RON) has transformed how notaries perform their duties, necessitating additional training and certification.

Enhancing Skills and Knowledge

Continuing education for notary public professionals goes beyond legal compliance and enhances their skills and knowledge. Advanced courses can cover various topics, from handling complex notarizations to improving customer service skills. By investing in their education, notaries can provide better service to homeowners and business owners, ensuring that all documents are handled correctly and efficiently.

Building Trust and Credibility

Trust is paramount for homeowners and business owners when dealing with sensitive documents such as property deeds, loan agreements, and business contracts. Notaries who pursue continuing education demonstrate a commitment to their profession, building trust and credibility with clients. An educated notary is seen as a reliable and knowledgeable professional, which is essential in fostering long-term client relationships.

Staying Competitive in the Market

The notary public profession is competitive, and those who stand out often invest in their ongoing education. Notaries can differentiate themselves from their peers by staying updated with the latest industry standards and practices. This competitive edge is particularly beneficial for attracting and retaining clients, as homeowners and business owners prefer working with well-known notaries in current regulations and practices.

Adapting to Technological Advancements

Technology is rapidly changing the landscape of the notary public profession. Notaries must be proficient with the latest technological tools, from electronic signatures to digital document storage. Continuing education courses often include training on these advancements, ensuring that notaries can effectively integrate technology into their practice. This improves efficiency and meets the growing expectations of tech-savvy clients.

Networking and Professional Growth

Continuing education provides notaries with opportunities to network with other professionals in the field. Attending seminars, workshops, and conferences allows notaries to share experiences, gain new insights, and build valuable connections. These interactions can lead to professional growth and open doors to new opportunities, enhancing the notary’s career trajectory.

Continuing Education for Lasting Success

Continuing education is vital for notary public professionals. It ensures compliance with changing laws, enhances competence, and builds client trust. Notaries can ensure their career longevity and job satisfaction by staying updated with new technologies and expanding their professional networks. Homeowners and business owners seeking notarial services should prioritize notaries who invest in their education, as they provide the highest service and expertise. For more detailed information about specific notary practices, such as understanding the significance of a document date, explore additional resources.

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April 26, 2024

Get Paid Every Time: Notary Billing Strategies

Filed under: General Articles — Tags: — Tom Wilkins @ 12:00 am

As a notary, ensuring consistent and timely payment for your services is crucial, whether you’re assisting homeowners or business owners. Implementing effective billing strategies can significantly enhance financial security and streamline operations. This article will explore key strategies for getting paid for notary services tailored specifically to help notaries professionally.

1. Establish Clear Payment Terms Upfront

The first step in ensuring you get paid every time is to set clear payment terms before you begin any notary work. It’s important to communicate whether you expect payment upon completion of the service or if you offer any deferred payment options. For example, you might require immediate payment for services rendered at closings or real estate transactions but offer terms like net 30 for regular business clients who require ongoing notary services.

2. Utilize Digital Invoicing and Payment Solutions

In today’s digital age, using online payment solutions to get paid for notary services is highly beneficial. These solutions, such as PayPal, allow you to issue invoices directly after the service is completed, making it much easier for your clients to pay promptly. Online payments provide a convenient way for your clients to pay digitally, which can significantly speed up the payment process. This is especially important when dealing with busy homeowners or business owners who appreciate the convenience of digital transactions.

3. Offer Multiple Payment Options

To accommodate the preferences of different clients, it’s beneficial to offer multiple payment options. This can include cash, checks, credit/debit cards, or digital payments. By providing various ways to pay, you reduce the hurdles for prompt payment and cater to your client’s personal or business preferences. For instance, a homeowner might prefer paying via credit card on the spot, whereas a business owner might opt for a bank transfer.

4. Implement Late Payment Penalties

While it may seem harsh, having a penalty for late payments can incentivize your clients to pay on time. Be sure to clearly outline any late fees in your payment terms. Communicate this policy before performing any services to ensure there are no surprises. This approach not only underscores the professionalism of your services but also helps safeguard your cash flow.

5. Follow Up on Invoices

Don’t hesitate to follow up promptly if an invoice goes unpaid. Sending a polite reminder email or making a quick follow-up call can secure payment without further action. Regular communication keeps the lines open, reminding your client of the outstanding payment and your need for resolution.

6. Maintain Detailed Records

Keeping detailed records of your services, including who was billed, how much, and when payments were received, is essential for effective billing. This record-keeping helps follow up on unpaid invoices and is invaluable for financial planning and tax purposes.

7. Educate Your Clients

Sometimes, clients are not fully aware of the importance of notary services. Take the opportunity to educate them about what notaries do and why the fees are justified when getting paid for notary services. A well-informed client is more likely to appreciate the value of your service and, consequently, less likely to delay payment.

Securing Payments as a Notary

Ensuring timely payments for notary services involves clear communication, the use of modern technology, and adhering to professional standards. Notaries should establish clear payment terms, utilize digital invoicing, offer various payment options, enforce late payment penalties, and diligently follow up on invoices. Keeping detailed records and educating clients on the value of notary services is also crucial. Verifying the accuracy of the document date enhances legal and professional integrity. Implementing these strategies helps notaries protect their income and maintain a consistent business flow, ensuring payments are always received on time.

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June 10, 2021

Comments on good journal entry procedure

Filed under: Journals — admin @ 3:09 am

I have written thorough information on journal keeping in other articles. But, here is a summary of some of the more critical points.

1. KEEP A JOURNAL – or else. Even if your state does not require you to keep a journal, it is your only evidence if investigated by the FBI or if summoned to appear before a Judge. This happens more than you think to Notaries so be prepared and keep records in a journal.

2. Don’t forget to enter the type of NOTARY ACT that you are performing in the journal. This is generally a Jurat, Acknowledgment, Oath or Affirmation. Copy Certification might be considered a Jurat in some states, but you could put both names to be thorough.

3. Obviously enter the ID INFORMATION in your journal unless you live in a state that forbids that. Otherwise you have no evidence that you looked at their ID. Make sure the photo looks like them and that the signature on the ID matches the one in the journal and the document. If you want to get cute, ask them their sign and see if it matches their birthday.

4. THUMBPRINTS are almost foolproof. ID’s can be faked, but all thumbprints in the planet are unique to a particular individual. To deter fraud and help the FBI catch very very bad people (and yes we have stories from 123notary members about exactly this.) then keep a thumbprint for all notarized documents in your journal. NNA sells a nice journal with room for thumbprints and you need an inkless thumbprint pad too which is not expensive.

5. DOCUMENT DATES
Most people don’t know what a document date is or what it means. It is an arbitrary date inscribed within the document which normally corresponds to the date the document was drafted or signed. It is yet another indication of which document you are dealing with, just in case you notarize two documents from the same signer with the same document name.

6. SIGNATURES
Signers must sign all journal entries that pertain to documents that they are being notarized on.

7. PRICES. The price you are charging the signers should be indicated in the journal. If you are charging a travel fee, or a flat fee for a mobile signing, indicate this somehow in your records, perhaps on the top entry of a particular signing.

8. ADDITIONAL NOTES? The NNA journal has a section for additional notes. If you have credible witnesses, they sign there. If you notice anything unusual about the signing, write it down as that could jog your memory when you are in court several years after the fact. It is hard to remember all of your signings and roughly 15% of our full-time Notaries who have been around for several years have been to court due to Notary related reasons.

9. STORAGE. Keep your used journals in a safe and dry place. You might get a query for an old journal entry and you need to be able to find them. Your Notary division might want your journals if you quit your commission or you expire, so keep them where you can find them where nobody will steal them.

That’s all for today!

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