# Can someone from NY explain what does it mean when a signing company says - oh, you are in an attorney state. I understand that an attorney has to be part of the closing. But does that mean all RE transactions need to be overseen by an attorney? **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [December 26, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/can-someone-from-ny-explain-what-does-it-mean-when-a-signing-company-says-oh-you-are-in-an-attorney-state-i-understand-that-an-attorney-has-to-be-part-of-the-closing-but-does-that-mean-all-re-transactions-need-to-be-overseen-by-an-attorney/9498 "2019-12-26T16:39:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![amnotary845](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/amnotary845/32/4968_2.png) [@amnotary845](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/amnotary845)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/can-someone-from-ny-explain-what-does-it-mean-when-a-signing-company-says-oh-you-are-in-an-attorney-state-i-understand-that-an-attorney-has-to-be-part-of-the-closing-but-does-that-mean-all-re-transactions-need-to-be-overseen-by-an-attorney/9498/1 "2019-12-26T16:39:41Z")
Why do I get requests for REFI, Reverse Mortgage, HELOC signings if I am in an attorney state? Can a signing agent close these loans and are they legitimate closings if this is an attorney state? If someone can explain, I would be very grateful. ---
**Author:** ![hbleiwas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/hbleiwas/32/34004_2.png) [@hbleiwas](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/hbleiwas)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2019, 1:05am UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/can-someone-from-ny-explain-what-does-it-mean-when-a-signing-company-says-oh-you-are-in-an-attorney-state-i-understand-that-an-attorney-has-to-be-part-of-the-closing-but-does-that-mean-all-re-transactions-need-to-be-overseen-by-an-attorney/9498/2 "2019-12-27T01:05:17Z")
Unless I’ve been doing many closings horrifically wrong for many years (and my own personal R/E purchases and refi’s are invalid and recorded by the Court Clerk illegally), NY is not an attorney state. Banks are often are represented by counsel (if dealing with third-parties), but a simple refi or in-bank CEMA principal requires no attorney. Even sales contracts require no attorney if between principals (although they are a good idea). However, if a contract is to be drawn up (or modified), that tends to be the practice of law, and generally requires an attorney’s involvement. HWB. ---
**Author:** ![CAFRAN2](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/cafran2/32/33376_2.png) [@CAFRAN2](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/CAFRAN2)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2019, 8:45pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/can-someone-from-ny-explain-what-does-it-mean-when-a-signing-company-says-oh-you-are-in-an-attorney-state-i-understand-that-an-attorney-has-to-be-part-of-the-closing-but-does-that-mean-all-re-transactions-need-to-be-overseen-by-an-attorney/9498/3 "2019-12-27T20:45:46Z")
I ve only been to one atty office to sign docs as a notary he wasnt present a few times at Bank Branches where only once was a banker attending and a few closing agents who work for title companies showed up The last 3 months The balance of my signings are me and the signers I can’t remember an attorney ever attending ---
**Author:** ![TamaraBourdeau](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/tamarabourdeau/32/37934_2.png) [@TamaraBourdeau](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/TamaraBourdeau)\ **Post date:** [December 29, 2019, 5:26am UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/can-someone-from-ny-explain-what-does-it-mean-when-a-signing-company-says-oh-you-are-in-an-attorney-state-i-understand-that-an-attorney-has-to-be-part-of-the-closing-but-does-that-mean-all-re-transactions-need-to-be-overseen-by-an-attorney/9498/4 "2019-12-29T05:26:00Z")
New York is not an attorney state. I have been in the business for over 18 years as a NYS Title Closer. ---
**Author:** ![yesbsd](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forum.notarycafe.com/yesbsd/32/37106_2.png) [@yesbsd](https://forum.notarycafe.com/u/yesbsd)\ **Post date:** [September 26, 2025, 3:00pm UTC](https://forum.notarycafe.com/t/can-someone-from-ny-explain-what-does-it-mean-when-a-signing-company-says-oh-you-are-in-an-attorney-state-i-understand-that-an-attorney-has-to-be-part-of-the-closing-but-does-that-mean-all-re-transactions-need-to-be-overseen-by-an-attorney/9498/5 "2025-09-26T15:00:54Z")
What is a title closing in NY other the loan closing?