For many years, I always kept my political preferences to myself. I didn’t tell people who I was voting for in upcoming elections because I was afraid I would be judged negatively. However, everything changed during the 2016 presidential election cycle. I supported one of the candidates wholeheartedly. Because I felt this person could make a positive difference in my country, I shared my support of him on social media outlets. I encouraged my family and friends to vote for him. I even wrote blogs outlining my preferred candidate’s strengths. On this blog, I hope you will discover the importance of publicly supporting a political candidate. Enjoy!
If you're thinking about becoming a notary public, or if you already are one, you are likely aware of the risks involved. If mistakes are made on important documents, a notary can get in some serious legal trouble. And, if any evidence points to you purposefully committing fraud, you'll face even bigger problems. So, how can a notary make sure they're protected? Here are four things all notaries should do to protect themselves.
Get E&O Insurance
Many states require notaries to obtain a surety bond. However, a surety bond doesn't exist to protect the notary—it exists to protect the public from financial damage caused by notary's mistakes. The notary will be required to pay back money used to pay the damages. E&O (Errors and Omissions) Insurance is what will protect you as a notary. It will cover some costs that may occur due to simple, accidental errors you make.
Keep a Detailed Notary Journal
Some states already require this, but it is in every notary's best interest to keep a detailed notary journal, regardless of the state they work in. If you are sued or something else with the document goes wrong, and you have a detailed record of what you notarized, it will protect you. The states that require the record will have a list of the details that you need to include, so be sure to know what's on that list. If you get behind on your journal or lazy about including all the information every time, that will look bad if you are sued.
Review Training Materials Periodically
Some states require you to take a training course or pass an exam to become a notary. No matter how easy or difficult it is to become a notary, make sure you periodically review your training materials so you don't forget little details of the job. You will especially want to do this if you don't work in your notary position very often. Other materials might not be required but may also be worth reviewing, such as a guidebook to checking IDs that can teach you the little things to look for on ID cards that may help you spot a fake.
Don't Get Sloppy
Over time it may be tempting to get sloppy about the rules, but don't do it. Never slide the rules for a friend or family member "just this once." Never notarize a document that your name is involved with. Never notarize a document when the person signing isn't present. Never notarize something for someone without their ID, even if you're sure they simply forgot it. Even if it causes an inconvenience for customers or your family members roll their eyes at you, they're not the ones that would have to pay for it in the end. You are. The rules will protect you, so don't let anything slide.
Becoming a notary is a great way to boost your resume or earn extra cash, but there are still risks involved. Some companies, like Lomeli Industries LLC, know that if you follow these four tips, that risk will be reduced.
Share