chatsimple

Notary News

Why are Notaries so Important in Today’s Legal System?

While we have all undoubtedly heard about notary work at one point or another, what really makes a
notary so vital for a legal transaction to take place?

The role and responsibilities of a notary have evolved over the years since their origin, which can
be traced back to ancient Egypt. Back then, the main tasks performed by a notary were transcribing and recording public and legal proceedings. And while these duties have changed over time, the role a
notary serves are no less significant in today’s day and age.

The primary service offered by a notary is acting as an unbiased third-party witness to legal
transactions. By validating a signer’s identity and the documents being signed, they are offering a layer
of protection that would not be available otherwise.

Let’s be honest, fraud is a very real concern in our current society and the role played by our
notaries is a significant deterrent. They are also valuable in preventing contract disputes and possible
litigation, as all signers would have to be present and acknowledge the documents being signed in front of a notary.

Notaries in Today's Legal System

Remember, having a document notarized makes it legally binding and holds all signing parties accountable for any terms or transactions listed in the document, so long as they were verified and credentialed by a notary.

So, while hiring a notary may seem like an unnecessary step in an already long process for a
signer, they are obtaining a layer of safety and credibility that will ensure a smooth transaction for all
parties involved.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Why Use Sunshine Signing

Why Choose Sunshine?

We provide you with a mobile notary anytime or anywhere, even rural areas, within four hours. Our notaries are the most professional in the industry, are courteous and prompt, as well as dependable. Sunshine stands behind our work and helps you through the process every step of the way.

Don’t let your client’s time or location be an issue as to why you close. Time is money, so getting the job done right, on schedule, is key to customer happiness, as well as keeping things in order and simplified on your end. Oh, yeah, did we mention time is money and Sunshine Signing can save you a significant amount of time.

Sunshine can save you money. No more searching for a notary. No more scheduling. No more hassle. Our mobile notaries are scheduled by us, overseen by use and guaranteed by us.

It may be a routine closing for you, but for your buyer, it may be the most important day of their life. Sunshine’s notaries treat every signing like it is.

If you are in our area, our notaries can sign your document in our beautiful office located in Hudson, FL at 13939 Lakeshore Blvd. Hudson, FL 34667.

Don’t forget you are always mobile and always online with Sunshine.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Three Reasons Neighbors Use a Notary

It might sound a little weird, but here are just a couple of reasons neighbors might use a notary. Notaries aren’t just for business, they are for individuals as well. And there are some pretty good reasons two neighbors might need a notary, or a mobile notary to protect themselves.

Hold Harmless Agreements

They sound harmless, but they keep everyone protected in a case of liability regarding a neighbor’s activities.

A hold harmless agreement is a legal agreement between parties that states that one party will not hold the other liable for risk. Hold harmless agreements typically apply to physical damage or risk.

ContractsCounsel

Okay, a couple of quick examples.

Hold Harmless for Potential Work on Areas That Cover Both Properties.

I want to do some work on some trees that just happen to be on my property line. I don’t plan to go on my neighbor’s property, but it is possible I will. Or maybe I know I will go onto their property.

Should my neighbor’s, and their home insurance company, have to take the risk that I will get hurt on their property?

No.

When working on anything on the property line it is best to get a hold harmless agreement, notarized by a notary like one from Sunshine. This way we can protect ourselves not just against injury, but also our personal property. There will be no disputes during or after this job.

Both sides have come to agreement and know what is expected.

Why Neighbors Need a Notary

Hold Yourself Harmless Because of Kids Toys

Or let’s posit another hypothetical scenario. You just built the most awesome skate ramp for your children, and of course every other kid in the neighborhood wants in on the action. Who wouldn’t.

But, injuries happen, from cuts and scrapes all the way to full on broken bones. And forbid one sneaks on without proper safety equipment, like a helmet.

Your kids won’t think it is cool, but it only protects you. Instead of a looming disaster it becomes ride at your own risk. Your neighbor takes on the liability.

The Party of End All Parties

This is all me.

Maybe your neighbor throws a huge party, maybe for a real big football game. And you give him access to use your street, maybe a little grass before the sidewalk.

Then someone runs over your flowers, another hits a decorative fence, while a third razes some of your grass to bare ground.

Brutal.

A Hold Harmless is for both parties. You can give someone right to park, without giving up the right to protect your personal property. If people fall outside this agreement, your rights are protected, just like your neighbors are by letting them park there in the beginning.

I know some of these seem insignificant, but anything becomes significant when it involves legal ramifications.

Don’t leave things to chance.

Please remember we are not lawyers. None of this is meant as legal advice. We recommend you speak to an Attorney in your are to determine laws in your area.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Living Wills and the Mobile Notary

It’s a subject we don’t want to think about, but eventually we have to, Living Wills. Hopefully we all have our affairs in order, but sometimes we don’t. We are hesitant to sound crass, but Sunshine Signing is there for you whenever you need to get your affairs in order.

What is a Living Will?

If you’re either unconscious or otherwise unable to communicate, a living will tells others what treatments you’d like—or want to avoid. Typically, a living will comes into play when you’re no longer able to participate in decision-making and hope to prevent the prolonging of an inevitable death through artificial means.

The Balance

Living wills are one of the most serious documents you need. They are often accompanied by a Durable Power of Attorney. You designate someone to make decisions for you through a Power of Attorney and specify the type of decisions they are allowed to make.

A living will does not take effect if you have a temporary injury. For example you took a shot to the head an received a serious concussion. Maybe from something like a car accident or falling off a bicycle. You make decisions about potential end-of-life services, considering the extremely limited options available.

Living Wills and the Mobile Notary

Are There Any Rules for Living Wills?

As a precaution, there may be some rules in your state regarding a living will. But most states will recognize them if you are across state borders. There are places online where you can download templates for a living will. Still, we would be careful to make sure that it comes from an attorney, and not just some random person.

You need to address all potential circumstances in your living will for it to be effective when needed. It would probably be wise to consult a lawyer. At the very least we recommend you check several websites. At least one or two that are relevant to your state. You need to make sure everything you are required to have is there.

When Should I Get a Living Will?

We would recommend as soon as possible, unless you are under the age of eighteen, or do not have a legal guardian. Make sure your family and loved ones know of your intent. Arguments among members is the last thing in the world you want in your time of need. And, unfortunately, they are known to get ugly.

Being pro-active is the best way to go. Unfortunately, none of us can predict the future. None of us can truly know or predict what life has to throw at us. We all wish for the best, Sunshine wishes the best for you, but we all must be prepared for any situation.

Why do I need a Mobile Notary?

The signer must sign a living will document(s) in person. An online notary is not able to perform those duties. A notary must be present, and in many cases the best choice is to have a mobile notary who can come to you.

In the worst situations, time is of the essence. Sunshine Signing can have a notary to you in four hours or less, even if you live in a rural location. You can rest assured our mobile notaries are the most professional in the business. And they work hard to ensure every signing is the most important signing they’ve ever done. Because they understand how important it is to you.

Everyone is Important to Sunshine

Sunshine is there for you in the best of times and the worst of times. You need someone who you can trust in any situation. Our mobile notaries can meet you just about anywhere, from your home, or god forbid, the hospital.

If you don’t have a living will, and probably a durable power of attorney to accompany it, now is the time to take action. And when you need it notarized, just remember, Sunshine is there for you.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Why You Need Both Online Notaries and Mobile Notaries

As the world appears to be heading more to remote notarizations, you may ask why you need both Online Notaries and Mobile Notaries? Don’t you wish you could just choose one and run with it?

In a quickly changing landscape it is understandable.

But, there are quite a few reasons that is not going to happen. And you need to understand the how’s and why’s that will affect your business. Or, why it does not have to be a big deal, because you have a partner at your side who will take that off of your plate. And let you focus on your core business.

Because, at the end of the day, we all want to focus on our core business, the part that drives the most revenue. And have a partner who can still give you a positive return on investment.

Not All Signings Will Be Remote

The laws are quickly changing, but some things will remain the same. At the end of the day, even once remote signings become more prevalent, some signings will still need to be done in person. You have attorney states, as well as certain types of signings, like living wills and wills, that will have to be done in person.

Read More

Notarizing Someone’s Blood

We’ve seen some strange individual signings, but our tales of the bizarre has a new story. One of which a notary had to notarize someone’s blood for authenticity.

Wait, Did You Say Notarizing Someone’s Blood

This is already the talk of the skate board industry. Skating legend Tony Hawk had blood removed so it can be added to paint. The paint would be used on a limited line of skateboards.

We’re not talking about mortgage or title. The integrity of blood is on the line.

Those skateboards would then be sold at a high price to collectors of skateboards, as well as fans of bloody things.

We imagine the conversation went like this:

  1. Collect blood
  2. Mix blood into paint
  3. Paint neat designs with said blood.
  4. ???????
  5. PROFIT!

And at the end of the day, they needed a notary to certify the blood was authentic, and not some blood from someone pretending to be Tony Hawk.

But the real question is:

Did the notary ask for Tony’s signature in blood for their kid’s wall? We kid, we kid.

Notarizing Someone's Blood

It is All for a Good Cause

If we can get serious for a moment.

This limited edition of one hundred skateboards helps a couple of charities, not the new vampire skateboarding team.

Ordered by bottled water company Liquid Death, proceeds will go to 5 Gyres, as well as Tony’s personal charity, The Skateboard Project.

100 of the fully notarized and bloody skateboards will be sold for $500 apiece.

And that is the story of person who was notarizing someone’s blood.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Notary Fees are Decreased in Mississippi

In a defeat to static notaries, Mississippi has passed a bill to lower notary fees in Mississippi.

The changes essentially make the maximum amount that can be charged for a signing to five dollars. That is five dollars a signature for documents notarized.

This may be a blow to storefront notaries, as the benefit of offering notarizations may have decreased as a different loss leader may offer more value.

Read More

Remote Notarizations in New York Expired

We’ve talked quite a bit about temporary rules, and the temp rules for remote notarizations expired in New York.

Lost in the shuffle of the return to our national holiday, the rules allowing remote notarizations in the state of New York expired. All notaries in the state were alerted before the expiration started, but new rules are yet to be issued.

How We Got Here

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order in March of 2020 implementing emergency rules for remote notarization, as well as a slew of other things. All of these were stated to end in July 2021.

The order included things like remote notarization, travel restrictions, a state of emergency, among others. All of those have been rolled back, but only a few, like using online notaries are stuck in limbo. A couple of other orders have already been extended, including paid leave rules.

What is up Next for Remote Notarizations in New York

Remote Notarization Rules in New York Expire

A bill has already been presented to the state Senate, where it has already passed committee. It is expected to be passed through the legislature and signed by the governor, but the exact timeline on that is unknown.

What is known is it will pass. What, if any, changes to the original order remain to be seen, as the bill could still go through some negotiations.

As we move forward it is important to stay on top of things. Expiring rules, new rules, updated rules are all coming, and they will be hard to keep track of.

States, Counties, Online Notarizations and Complications

New complications are as states move to go forward with online signings.

As states move to approve their versions of RON signings, it has come up across the country where specific county or local laws prohibit things like the way recordings are legally performed. This is now leading to a move to get specific counties to jump on board.

But, that is easier said than done, and certain states could have ongoing issues.

There are still limitations to the usefulness of RON, and it remains to be seen if these limitations will recede over time. While all counties in Oregon now accept electronic recording of documents notarized by the traditional in-person method, not all counties accept documents notarized by RON.

JD Supra

A Tad Bit Confusing

Maybe more than a tad.

The variety of laws regarding online signings and the variety of hurdles remain significant. While there is no doubt what direction we are headed in, the path to the destination may seem like the Wonderful Wizard of RON.

As we continue to travel the maze, we would recommend you get any training and/or licensing you need. You will need.

How Can You Avoid a Potentially Invalid Signing

Complications for Online Signings

To be honest, there is probably no perfect solution.

But, work with your clients, the ones who do business there. They cannot operate if the signing is invalid, so they are quite invested in the situation.

You can try to check by using a search engine, but that may be futile. Even if you find what you are looking for, does not mean you understand it.

But, we would recommend to know your area. Even if that means calling or going personally to ask. It may not be the core of your business, but it sure would seem that you know your business if and when it comes up. And if you are properly networking in the community, it will come up sooner or later.

Imagine being able to step in and rectify a problem before it starts. Now that kind of expertise and customer service will go a long way into making you their go to notary.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000

Make Sure to Notarize as You Go

Sometimes we all need a reminder, but make sure you notarize as you go.

Make sure you have all of your I’s dotted and your T’s crossed before you go to a signing.

Stamp on Site

Remember, as they always say the customer comes first, but in reality, the law comes first. Not having everything you need for a signing can make you afoul of the law.

We’ve been made aware of too many notaries who are not notarizing on the go.

You cannot wait until you get home to stamp a document!

Not only is this just plainly unprofessional, it leads to a host of problems for the notary, including the fact it is illegal.

Additional Issues Arise for Those Who Don’t Notarize as They Go

Time and money. Two of the things most of us cherish.

But, if we don’t notarize as we go, we lose both.

Not only do we lose the time of having to go back to make the signing legal, we also have to waste the time of our signers, who are probably not going to be happy about it. And they will and do complain about it.

Stop and Notarize on the Go

Time is money you could have used to perform another signing or a myriad of other things that are more important to you than fixing a signing.

And that same time is money as well, for our signers.

Error Rate Rises

To be the best, you have to do the best while making your signers feel comfortable and happy.

We’ve talked about how to be a go to notary before, and getting our signings right the first time is a big step in the right direction. It will even help you make more money.

Let’s face it. If your error rate goes up, the confidence your clients have in you wanes. Whether they are private clients, or a signing service such as ourselves, it moves you down the list of notaries they want to use.

Bad signings reflect badly on you, and will make your partners less likely to work with you in the future.

The Deadly Trifecta

Okay, this grew. I don’t know the gambling term for five.

Some things we never want:

  • Wasted Time
  • Wasted Money
  • Wasted Effort
  • Increased Error Rate
  • A Lack of Faith from our Clients

So, please, don’t wait until you get home. Get your signings right and notarize on the go.

Sunshine Signing Service

Your Nationwide Notary Signing Service

Increase your efficiency and bottom line with Sunshine’s Mobile Notary Services and Online Notary Services. Sunshine is always there when you need us.

Or Call us at (727) 817-0000