Posted by Cari on 2/4/08 12:19pm
Msg #233989

Swearing in Witnesses for Deps

How much is the norm? I got to answer an email, but wanted to get some feedback first.

Thanks guys!

Reply by Stamper_WI on 2/4/08 12:24pm
Msg #233992

I swore a witness by phone for a court in session in TX. I charged what I normally charge for a notarization (I ID'd the plantiff and administered the oath on the phone) plus my normal travel fee. I did enter the info in my journal and had her sign it. I did not have to stay once I did that. The woman later told me she was on the phone for 2 hrs!

Reply by Lee/AR on 2/4/08 1:13pm
Msg #234001

Like Stamper said. You need to be there a bit before 'the call' so you can ID the person, but once you've sworn them in...you're outta there. So, travel fee & one notarization, usually. Sometimes you have to fax info back; sometimes you don't. I've been offered $85 for a mile from home w/1 faxback--and happily took it. Hope this helps.

Reply by Ernest__CT on 2/4/08 12:53pm
Msg #233996

Always check your state's Handbook or Manual. Why ask here? n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 2/4/08 1:06pm
Msg #233998

Not sure her handbook will tell her how much to charge..

except for statutory charges for administering the oath. Think she was looking for a bit more info. JMHO

Reply by Cari on 2/4/08 1:26pm
Msg #234005

Re: Not sure her handbook will tell her how much to charge..

Thanks Linda you're right. Earnest, if you can't help, then don't butt in.

Reply by janCA on 2/4/08 4:14pm
Msg #234015

CA handbook DOES state specific fee.

I realize many states do not even have a handbook, but if you do, you better check it. No need for the nasty comment, Cari.

Reply by Cari on 2/4/08 6:00pm
Msg #234028

Re: CA handbook DOES state specific fee.

I'm not trying to be nasty - just looking for opinions on an average fee to charge for swearing someone in for a deposition. AND, I've already checked my handbook which was the first place I went to before submitting my question here....

what is this?

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/4/08 2:17pm
Msg #234008

Re: Swearing in Witnesses for Deps - I have charged as much

as $150 but it was a good 45 miles one way. Ten minute gig.

Reply by Cari on 2/4/08 6:45pm
Msg #234032

Re: Swearing in Witnesses for Deps - I have charged as much

that's what I was going to charge....thanks!

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 2/5/08 10:25am
Msg #234077

Re: How can you even justify this rate

unless you are traveling an excessive distance (i.e., 75-100+ miles round trip)? It's not heart surgery and once there, takes 10 minutes.

Reply by Rachel/ORWA on 2/5/08 11:05am
Msg #234081

Carolyn...

Around here, a 45 minute drive one-way will take at least an hour to drive (depending on how much up hill down dale there is). A 10-minute gig is really more like 15 or 20, including parking, introductions, etc. Add in time the phone calls, daycare arrangements (or whatever), etc., and it's going to easily be a 3-hour assignment. Do you think $50/hour is excessive?

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 2/5/08 11:31am
Msg #234088

Re: Carolyn...

*Do you think $50/hour is excessive?*

The original poster never said how far the distance was and that is why I was asking her to justify the time/distance.

In the majority of these instances, the people are paying me directly from their pocket. Before I start talking about charging them three hours for something that will take 10 minutes, I'll encourage them to shop around and find someone much closer with a more reasonable fee.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/5/08 12:07pm
Msg #234091

Re: Carolyn...

**I'll encourage them to shop around and find someone much closer with a more reasonable fee.**

That's very good of you, Carolyn.

It's been legal discovery firms who've hired me for those types of jobs; they send me the oath, a statement for me to complete, and once the job is over they send the check; it's billed into the witnesses legal case, not paid to the notary on the spot.

My experience has been working for the plaintiff's attorney, for the most part.

The hiring firm already knows who is available for these types of assignments in that area because they themselves aren't that far away and could do it if they wanted to. However, it must be of some value or they'd drive 30-50-60 miles and do themselves.

If I drive 45 miles one way $150 is about as low as I will go. As someone else pointed out it is around 3 hrs and I have absolutely no problem charging $50/hr.

Reply by Rachel/ORWA on 2/5/08 12:58pm
Msg #234105

Re: Carolyn...

Since your post came under Brenda's, it appeared to be a response to her statement of charging $150 for a 10-minute gig, 45 miles away. If I misunderstood, I apologise.

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 2/5/08 2:37pm
Msg #234129

Re: Carolyn...

No, I was replying to Cari, and unless the posting position has suddenly changed, my reply is still falling under Cari's - but apology accepted. However, with gasoline and such the way it is, I still stand on my ground that if it is 45 or more miles away (one way), that someone closer should be contacted. JMO.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 2/4/08 11:37pm
Msg #234057

Re: Swearing in Witnesses for Dips

I did one today because the person was unable to appear in person, so the deposition was done over the phone by a lawyer.

I charged $65 and was out of the house in 10 minutes.

I love "public notary work."

Reply by AIMM PARALEGAL SERVICES - Cari Rivera on 2/5/08 5:44am
Msg #234064

THANKS EVERYONE...APPRECIATE YOUR HELP...

...you all have been very helpful..

Reply by Gary_CA on 2/5/08 2:29pm
Msg #234127

Better be nice to them lawyers...even if they are dips. n/m

Reply by Les_CO on 2/5/08 2:38pm
Msg #234130

Re: Swearing in Witnesses for Dips

Other than statutory requirements in some states, you can pretty much charge what you want. I did two last year, one for $50, the other free. (If I’m hired my an Attorney I charge) Sometimes the person being sworn pays directly. My fee is often contingent on the circumstances. I did a POA at Lutheran hospital ICU on Saturday (for free). I love/hate the “public” notary business