Posted by lan/tn on 6/17/04 6:10pm
Msg #3157

States moving to attorney status

What is the movement toward/away from Attorney only States. Something else to worry about. After finally building the business, it is at risk.

Reply by Gracie on 6/18/04 9:50am
Msg #3175

I believe two things are driving the move to attorney-only states:

Reply by Gracie on 6/18/04 9:54am
Msg #3176

Sorry, pressed the wrong key!

I think two things are driving the move to attorney-only states:

1. Greedy attorneys who don't want to lose the easy income.

2. Careless and without-a-clue notaries who botch the closings by giving inappropriate legal advice and improperly notarizing documents.

Reply by sa on 6/18/04 12:10pm
Msg #3194

Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

A group of notaries in Northern California did something very smart. They got the Secretary of State to change the notary regulations so that all notaries are required to have a required number of hours of continued education EACH YEAR

Reply by NotaryML on 6/18/04 1:51pm
Msg #3200

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

I'm ready to fight in my State of New Jersey (South) to definitely stand up for notary signing agents positions. We are licensed to do this type of work. Lawyers have enough on their hands and make enough doe-ray-me. We need to stay in public service. After all, if this new field is supposed to raise the newly created jobs ratio, how can they take it away from us?

Frankly, I wouldn't let each State handle if we are to be in existence, someone should write to Congress to pass into law, as the paralegals and lawyers, and real estate agents of this Country established themselves. We handle legal real estate documents. So let's get legislation passed help us. Why let them take a such beautiful thing away?

ML

Reply by Sylvia/FL on 6/19/04 9:44pm
Msg #3230

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

Actually you are licensed or commissioned as a Notary Public, not as a signing agent, there is no licensing for signing agents.

I think (and I could be wrong) that the states that have gone attorney only are states where the mortgage is a deed of trust as opposed to a mortgage.

Reply by NotaryML on 6/21/04 1:50pm
Msg #3281

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

Exactly my point, there is no licensing for signing agents, so we should also be licensed as our attorney/notary/real estate collegues are licensed.

Reply by Eatha/NJ on 6/22/04 1:19pm
Msg #3329

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

Do you realize what required licensing would entail? Another government bureaucracy, another set of governing laws, another process to become a licensed s/a, more required fees and education, and at least 5 years to put it all into place. It's not like buying a fishing license!

Reply by PAW Notary Services on 6/22/04 3:52pm
Msg #3341

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

Centralized, controlled and managed licensing, for signing agents, not notaries public, does not have to be government controlled or managed. There are lots of professional organizations that are independent, but nationally recognized, bodies that certify, control and manage licensing. Professional engineers (electronic, mechanical, etc.) have their own "society" that regulates themselves and issues licensees and certifications. There's no reason, except for time and money, that Signing Agents couldn't do the same. (I just don't see it happening though for a multitude of reasons.)

Reply by NotaryML on 6/22/04 5:40pm
Msg #3347

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

Thanks PAW for your input. However, I need to correct you slightly. The Professional Engineers do have a society called American Society of Professional Engineers, however, each State regulates their capacity in each field. Being licensed by the State, (or registered) can be done with little or few hours of education as Paralegals have done in the past. Being "registered" and "licensed" are two separate issues. We can have either of the two if all of you are willing to join in each state to fight this battle. A representative from the NNA for each State needs to back us up and try to negotiate a reasonable solution that makes all parties happy.

Reply by Mare on 6/21/04 9:40am
Msg #3264

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

I am also in South Jersey and would like to know what the status of Attorney only is here. I am new to the business.

Reply by judyca on 6/20/04 2:33am
Msg #3241

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

Where can I find information on this please?

Reply by Gracie on 6/21/04 11:02am
Msg #3266

Re: Notaries should unite to strengthen our position

The same happened in PA. Three hours of basic notary education is now required every four years when commission is renewed. Took over 2 years to get the legislation passed. The Pennsylvania Association of Notaries (www.notary.org) was essential in getting it through.

In the year since education became mandatory, the state has reported about 50% fewer disciplinary actions against notaries. I hope that number continues to fall!

Reply by traci/MD on 6/29/04 7:34am
Msg #3656

Maryland is a state that makes notaries hold a license. Title producers license. The requirement is a 30 hour class $500 state test $88. 100K surety bond. This was just passed in Jan. 2004.