Posted by Joe Ewing on 6/7/06 10:16pm
Msg #124681

Just another mobile call

Today I got a call from a Lawyer to notarize a Durable Power of Attorney. She goggled me, read my profile and said I was the right person for the job. Thats comforting. I drive out to North Park to an old Craftsman house in a mixed neighborhood. While knocking at the security screen I overheard a young woman crying inside. Then silence. I was met outside by the assistant for the Attorney that called me and she asked that I wait outside while hospice finishes up. So to idle my time I asked for the documents and the signers ID. In a moment I as handed the paperwork and I sat down on the front steps. The Drivers License was expired in 1993 and the birth date of the signer was November 11, 1903. Huh!

Well soon I was to find out that the house was filled with people. A Doctor, Lawyer, Hospice Investigator, an Investigator from Elder Abuse, a Healthcare nurse, the DHCPOAttorney in Fact, the sobbing Granddaughter and the terminally ill signer.

So the lawyer called me to notarize a DPOA to counteract another POA that had been done a week prior naming the signers Podiatrist as her attorney in fact who had then signed a special power of attorney selling his corporation the signers house for $55,000.

The Doctor and the two Social Workers were called there by the Lawyer to determine the signers compedence. After an hour of swirling activity the poor old woman collapsed into a stupor and couldn't sign. Not before cursing her granddaughter who began to sob uncontrollably. I had seen enough and collected my travel fee and left.

Reply by Lee/AR on 6/7/06 10:28pm
Msg #124688

That's a heartbreaker, Joe. So sad. n/m

Reply by TitleGalCA on 6/7/06 11:06pm
Msg #124695

Dear God, this world has become something awful to behold. I won't comment as to a notary's requirement. The state does that for me and so also does the Notary. The intentions and level of maturity of the professional notary will determine what holds up in court in a situation like this.

This is a very sad thing; and the very thing that makes me pretty much worship the office of a Notary Public; and as well, makes me want to take them out when they don't take things seriously.

Joe, bless your heart. No matter what you did, it was wrong. This is a God Thing.

Caveat: For the Anal-At-Heart; please don't bother with your stupid posts as to procedure. I've been there and done that; and this situation is over and above. Just hush and realize the importance of what we do as Notaries and you've fulfilled the Office.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 6/8/06 6:12am
Msg #124719

Joe, thanks for telling us. It is a very sad story, and one which we can only hope is not over. By telling us you have given those who pray an opportunity for prayer on behalf of all of the parties involved. We hope that the newer Notaries can learn several important lessons from your Post!