The Difference Between a Good and Bad Notary
Originally Posted 10/15/2021
Have you ever been to a restaurant twice? The first time you had a great server. They were attentive but not overbearing, refilled your drinks quickly, and didn't leave you waiting forever to be seen. Just overall a great experience. Then, have you gone back to the same restaurant and had a different server who just didn’t quite meet the expectations the first server did? Every industry has individuals who are good at their jobs and those who are not.
I consider my job and my position as a Notary Public to be that of a service position, like a restaurant server. I am, in fact, an agent of the State of California. Commissioned by the Secretary of State. My job as a Notary Public is critical, as I am on the front lines of identity protection. My position was created to protect against fraud. To me, that makes it incredibly important. It also means that to effectively do my job, I need to do it right. I need to know and follow the laws of my state to protect you. In saying all of that, it's important for you, the signer, to know the difference between a Good Notary and a Bad one.
Here are some of the things to expect from a Good Notary. (Note; I compiled this list from suggestions of Notary experts in my state.)
Your Notary should be flexible. They should be willing to adjust as needed. Whether that's with the scheduling of an appointment or with the documents that need to be signed. If there are events that create difficulties with a signing- your Notary should be able to be flexible enough to help complete the signing.
Your Notary should offer peripheral services. What does that mean? Do you have a deed that needs to be notarized and dropped off at FedEx or UPS? Your Notary should offer to take care of that.
Your Notary should always be on time. There are a few excuses that should be accepted for a late Notary. If you have scheduled a time to meet and agreed to it - the Notary should always be on time.
In addition to what a good Notary should do, here is a list of things to look for in a bad Notary.
If your Notary does not administer an oath. There are notarial acts that require an oath. Either to God or to AFFIRM. If your Notary does not administer these when appropriate, they would be considered a bad notary.
They are late. Just as a Good Notary is always on time, beware of the Notary that is often late. Clearly, there are circumstances when being late can’t be avoided. Example: a traffic accident or an earlier appointment running late. The second part of this bad behavior is - if they are going to be late and don’t reach out to let you know. Just not good service.
If your Notary is willing to do what another Notary has told you is illegal. If you have spoken to a Notary who has informed you that it is against the law to do something you are asking them to do, but another notary agrees to do it- beware. We are supposed to protect you- and a Notary who will go against the law is not protecting you(or themselves.)
I believe that there are many more Good Notaries than Bad. However, when you're looking for a Notary, trust your gut. You can tell a lot about someone from a phone call. Also, use Facebook and Google to look at reviews or recommendations for Notaries in your area.
My hope for you is that every experience you have with a notary in your life, your experience is always a good one. If you are in Central California, Fresno, Madera, or Kings County- You can always call me! I'd love the opportunity to help you with your notarial needs.
