Notaries help people make life’s significant milestones official and secure their family’s financial futures. But being a Notary comes with its own set of risks.
Whether new or experienced, careless Notaries can find themselves in legal trouble if a mistake is made, the most common Notary mistakes can lead to lawsuits or other problems.
Not Having Errors and Omissions Insurance
Insurance is essential if you work as a notary public, carrying Errors and Omissions (E&O). This type of liability coverage protects you if a client accuses you of making an honest mistake that caused them financial harm, whether deliberate or not.
Having E&O is essential for any notary public, even if you’re bonded. It can help you pay the legal fees associated with defending yourself against claims made against you.
In addition, it can help you get the reputation you deserve and prove to potential clients that you’re a reliable professional. It’s also helpful if you decide to apply for licensing for a notary bond Michigan.
Using Someone Else’s Seal or Business Name
As a commissioned public official, you must perform your duties carefully and respond to all lawful requests without discrimination. You will also likely protect your seal and journal from theft or abuse, be impartial, and maintain ethical standards.
A Notary is a trusted public servant who can act as an independent and impartial witness to the signing of important documents. This requires unique credentials and adherence to state laws.
Even the most minor mistake can cost you a career if you must be more careful. Whether it’s a slip of the tongue or a glaring oversight, a Notary can find herself embroiled in legal trouble.
In some cases, these mistakes can be so severe that they result in criminal charges and even six-figure lawsuits. They can also cause your commission to be revoked, which is something no Notary should want to happen. Fortunately, a few things can help prevent these costly and career-ending Notary mistakes from occurring.
Not Keeping Up with Your State’s Laws
Keeping up with your state’s laws when notary public is essential to being a successful Notary. Whether you’re self-employed or working for a company, many regulations and requirements must be followed to keep your name on the books. Taking the time to comply with your state’s Notary regulations and keeping current on the latest innovations is the smart move for any notary who wants to be in business for the long haul.
In the world of Notaries, the best way to avoid a lawsuit is to take the time to learn the regulations that apply to your jurisdiction. This will ensure that you won’t make the same mistakes as the millions of other Notaries who have fallen prey to fraud, misdirection or a little bit of both. The best part is that ensuring you’re safe doesn’t require much extra work or investigation. The little things can mean the difference between success and failure.
Not Having Personal Appearances
Notaries should always require in-person appearances when performing a notarization. Please do so to avoid legal trouble.
It may initially seem minor, but it can make a big difference. A notary public in Cincinnati was recently found guilty of enabling deed fraud when she failed to require personal appearances from signers.
This is just one example of the types of mistakes that Notaries can make. Whether it’s making an easy mistake such as accepting a photo of a driver’s license instead of the actual ID or not ensuring that signers are, in fact, present, these mistakes can be career-ending.
Be sure to avoid all of these career-ending Notary mistakes and make sure you’re always doing the right thing. This will help ensure that your Notary career stays on track! And, if you have to deal with any of these issues in the future, you’ll be prepared to handle them.
