I had an after hours signing and was given a cell number for the title contact to ask questions if anything came up. There were a couple of forms in this packet that had questions the signer was unsure of how to answer. We called the after hours number with no answer. The signer answered all the questions they knew, signed and dated. In your experience, is it an issue to send docs back with some blanks if you can’t reach anyone? I figure if there are questions the signer can reach the title company via phone the next day.
I always carried post-it larger notepads - when this happened I’d have the signers do the best they could with the form as you did, then I’d have them write a note to title explaining their dilemma with the form, sign and date the note.
Nothing worse than being left out in the cold on a signing.
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@RickOShay That’s a tough one!
In general, it’s a bit easier if the document ISN’T notarized.
If it’s a document that requires notarization that does complicate things a bit . . .
I always carry my Paul Bunyon stapler 
(that’s what I call it, even though it’s tiny - Swingline TOT) with me & Post-It Notes (that the signers write their message onto). 
As the Post-It-Notes can sometimes lose their adherence to the paper, I staple it in the document margin to ensure the note is on the correct page.
Never have received any complaints about that technique.
If not notarized - they should be able to complete via esign.
But everyone is different. I also put notes on those pages. Seems for after hours appointments someone should know to be available.
I’ll just tell them to answer the best that they can and they can work with Title to fill in any blanks later. It’s really unfair to put us in a position where we get dinged if the signer can’t answer some questions that only they would know the answers to.
SHORT ANSWER: YES.
Here is what I do if signers have questions and no one answers the after-hours number provided: If there is an option to leave a voice message, I always leave a voice message and be sure to reference the ORDER NUMBER and LAST NAME of the signers, and I mention that signers had questions at the signing table. If no answer, I also check to see if there is an escalation number I can call. I will ask the signers have their loan officers direct cell number, even. Whatever I can do to help get those signers’ questions answered. If signers feel comfortable moving forward with the signing, we move forward. And am am sure to note results/outcome in my notary journal.
If there are documents that signers didn’t feel comfortable signing, I write it on a sticky note and put it on that document to flag it for the next team.
After I leave, I include closing notes if using a platform to mark the signing as completed. Or if they instructed me to send an email, I include my closing notes in my email message to them to let them know what happened.
It is out of our control if no one answers the after-hours phone number they instruct us to call when there is a question/issue at the signing table.
But I make sure my hiring company understands I FOLLOWED THEIR INSTRUCTIONS to the letter. #CYA
Dealing with after-hours signings where there’s no readily available phone contact to address the signer(s)’ specific inquiries regarding the loan documents presents a considerable challenge. Having encountered this scenario multiple times in my experience as a notary, I can attest to how these situations can be particularly time-intensive and can create unnecessary stress for everyone involved. My standard approach in such circumstances involves first attempting to guide the signer(s) to relevant sections within the provided documents, hoping to find the necessary clarifications there. However, when those initial efforts prove insufficient, and if I am unable to reach anyone via the provided contact information, I then present the signer(s) with a couple of practical options to move forward in the most professional manner possible. Specifically, I offer: Option 1: The signer(s) can meticulously jot down all their outstanding questions in a notebook or on a piece of paper. We can proceed with the signing of the documents, later they can then reach out to their lender or relevant financial institution during their regular business hours to obtain the necessary clarifications. Option 2: Alternatively, the signer(s) are given the choice to temporarily pause the signing process altogether. They can reschedule the appointment for another day that is more convenient, allowing them ample time to thoroughly address all their questions with their lender and ensuring they feel completely comfortable and confident with all aspects of the loan documents before proceeding. It is my practice to clearly communicate to all signers, during our initial telephone confirmation call, that, as a notary, I am unable to provide any legal or financial advice or answer specific questions concerning the loan documents. I emphasize that all inquiries must be directed to their designated loan officer, the loan originator, or the title company involved in the transaction. Behind the scenes, regarding the payment of my signing fee, I make sure to clearly and proactively communicate my expectations to the hiring company. I explicitly state that full payment is anticipated and due once I have completely fulfilled all my contractual obligations and duties as the signing agent. That’s my approach towards handling after hours signing assignments.
<<<In your experience, is it an issue to send docs back with some blanks if you can’t reach anyone?>>>
So long as the doc doesn’t need notarizing, I will flag it with a sticky note, send back the blank form, and inform title/escrow to be on the lookout..