Three months ago I was brutally shamed on this forum by multitudes of greedy notaries who criminalized me for wanting to help poor hospital patients who thought they needed a notary without being informed of the option of the two witnesses method.
When notaries are called to hospitals of those patients who complained in some fashion they can’t afford their notary fees why hide an alternative? For Advanced Healthcare documents, there’s nothing unlawful about asking if patients were informed about the two witness option prior to making the appointment. It’s not the “practice of law” to let patients know as some prefer to believe.
Those notaries who say it’s the unlawful practice of law to inform the patient of the witnesses option making excuses in such a way forgetful they are referred to as Public Servants.
Are you right to still go to the hospital when the patient complained in some fashion they can’t really afford your services? Why would any notary in their right mind not inform the patient of the witnesses option? If the patient can’t get witnesses think about providing a discount such as waiving mobile fee for example.
@CherylM It is absolutely essential that we, as public servants have compassion for individuals in dire needs. Most importantly, never allow anyone to instill shame upon you for providing a crucial community service to those who are struggling with financial difficulties and exist in low-income circumstances. In my opinion and I am only speaking for myself, we must remain steadfast in our dedication to assisting others, irrespective of their individual circumstances or situations. I commend you for your compassionate approach! Regarding your post, inquiring about whether the signer possesses the necessary two witnesses does not constitute the practice of law, you are only asking so to be able to perform the notarial act(s)(plus the document would convey the need for witnesses). The only scenario in which you could potentially be perceived as giving legal advice would be if you were to recommend the necessity of an Advanced Healthcare Directive to an individual and specified the type of notarial certificate that should be utilized.
I find people sometimes do not want their friends or strangers to be witnesses to their documents and prefer a neutral notary. If someone complained about the affordability of notary services, even offering the two-witness option might not be doable for them. Always put out the type of energy you would like to receive back, if that means having them check their other options, and that in turn makes you lose out on a job, but it benefits them, I’m sure good energy will return to you.
