I lost a job today because I told an attorney in North Carolina I couldn’t provide a witness for his client. I let him know it’s the signer’s responsibility, not the notary’s though we can suggest ideas that usually work.
Finding a witness isn’t difficult at all whenever I arrive to the customer’s home. The signer manages to find a neighbor or friend nearby willing to drive to the location.
The attorney was highly abnormal sticking his nose in the situation. Attorneys usually leave it to the notary to help the customer get a witness without any concern. This attorney wanted total control so I lost the job.
It should be against the law to force a notary to bring any witness to the signer’s property without a background check.
The past 3 months I have found that a certain, very well known title company expects us to bring a witness and not even pay extra! I don’t have a person to bring with me and sit and wait and then not compensated for their time.
Lots of $50.00 seller packages and have to bring a witness for the deed. What??? Typically they offer $25.00 + your fee, now reducing your fee plus no extra for your witness.
Horrible, and so sad it’s come to this. Same ole song, just refuse.
I recently experienced the same problem having told them it’s their signer’s responsibility to have a witness at the signing. It’s really just common sense. Turn them down, it’s not your job. Emphasize the notarization has far more credibility depending on the circumstances.
I’m thinking of why witnesses who are asked to sign aren’t asked for their address and printed name sometimes. Imagine if the witnesses weren’t located needed from a subpoena by the plaintiff or court that the notary would likely be in a deposition taking up your time for free.
I guess it depends on the state, but Florida changed the rules and both witnesses on the deed for example, have to complete with their name and address underneath their signature, including the notary (we can be a witness)
Many signing companies and title companies also have you fill out the attendence list for all present.
I can’t tell you for certain if a new law or just something they added, but all seem to have it now.
I don’t carry a witness in my pocket either and feel not my responsibility, but seems more and more make it that way. What happened to a realtor being present? Heck now, some won’t even pay extra if you do find a tag along for the assignment.
Thank You 