Consumer's Guide to Hiring a Notary
What You Need to Know!
When it comes to estate planning, the role of a Notary is indispensable in ensuring that documents are legally binding and executed correctly. However, not all notaries are created equal. The expertise, diligence, and reliability of the Notary you choose can significantly impact the effectiveness and legal robustness of important documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Hiring the right Notary, therefore, involves more than just verifying their credentials; it requires a thoughtful consideration of their experience with estate planning documents, their professional conduct, and their ability to handle sensitive legal matters. This guide provides essential insights into selecting a Notary who is well-equipped to meet the specific needs of estate planning attorneys and their clients.
Hiring a Notary Public is a critical step in validating documents. The guide will help you understand what to look for and what questions to ask to ensure you hire a qualified and reliable Notary.
By considering these factors and asking the right questions, you can confidently hire a Notary who will meet your needs and provide reliable, professional service!
Verify Their Commission
ASK: Are you commissioned by the Washington Secretary of State?
WHY: You want to ensure that the Notary is legally authorized to perform notarial acts in the State of Washington.
Check Their Experience
ASK: How long have you been a Notary Public?
WHY: Experience matters, especially for complex or high-stakes documents.
Inquire About Specialties
ASK: Do you have any specialities or additional certifications?
WHY: Some Notaries, like attorneys, have specialized training for certain documents, such as estate planning or real estate closings.
Document Familiarity
ASK: Wht types of documents have you notarized?
WHY: Ensure that they are experienced with specific documents you need notarized.
Discuss Confidentiality
ASK: How do you handle confidential information?
WHY: Understand their approach to privacy, especially for sensitive documents.
Fraud Prevention
ASK: What steps do you take to prevent fraud?
WHY: Verify their procedures for ensuring the integrity of the notarization process.
Identification Requirements
ASK: What identification do you require from Signers?
WHY: Ensure you can meet their identification requirements.
About Insurance
ASK: Do you have errors and omissions insurance?
WHY: This insurance can protect you in case of mistakes during the notarization process.
Understand Error Policy
ASK: What is your process if a documents is rejected due to a notarial error?
WHY: know their policy for handling and correcting mistakes.
Understand Their Fees
ASK: What are your fees?
WHY: Be clear on their fee structure, including any travel or after-hours fees.
Confirm Availability
ASK: What is your availability?
WHY: Make sure their schedule matches your needs.
References
ASK: Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
WHY: Client feedback can give you insight into their reliability and professionalism.