Posted by Darlene Lane on 5/22/10 10:56pm
Msg #337779

New to Rotary Notary

Hello,

I just signed up at this site and have two questions. What does "fingerprinting", "does weddings" and "does inspections all mean or entail. I am assuming you are able to finger print, sign docs for weddings and do inspections for lenders to clear conditions to do closings. Inspection homes to make sure repairs are made.

Reply by Lee/AR on 5/23/10 2:04am
Msg #337786

A few states (Florida & New Hampshire....there may be others) allow notaries to officiate at weddings...so 'does weddings' does not mean what you think. Inspections can mean what you said (but usually not)....or a whole lot of other types of inspections. There also are forums for Inspections which you may want to check out before jumping into that field.

Reply by PAW on 5/23/10 5:41am
Msg #337795

Correction

Notaries can officiate for weddings in Florida, Maine and South Carolina.

Reply by Maureen_nh on 5/23/10 8:21am
Msg #337798

Re: Correction

In NH JP's can act as notaries, I don't know about other states.
It is a bit confusing, and you will have to learn about a few other states (after you have yours down cold) as you go along.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 5/23/10 2:15am
Msg #337787

"Two" questions with three answers:

1. "Fingerprinting." Think: Who needs Fingerprinting? Who comprises that market? Does it involve Notarial work, or another skill?

2. "Weddings." In some states, Notaries Public can perform weddings. I'm an ordained minister, and can perform weddings as such in any state, for instance. It depends upon your state and function.

3. "Inspections" may have a different meaning than your understanding - for instance, I do inpections for risk assessment for underwriters of insurances for local retail businesses.

Not to seem unkind, Darlene, but your assumptions aren't even close - I believe you would do well to investigate the market in much further detail, rather than ask for the moon on a forum.

Best of luck.

Reply by Lee/AR on 5/23/10 2:44am
Msg #337790

Darlene, you get points for asking and not just

checking 'yes' when you don't really know what you're saying you can do. I've seen many profiles where they've just checked 'yes' .... but really don't or can't do it.

Reply by Darlene Lane on 5/23/10 10:57am
Msg #337807

Re: "Two" questions with three answers:

Hi,

I knew my questions were like a shot in the dark. Your comment was not unkind. This all has to do with laws. I called and left a message with my attorney before I posted. I was just really curious.

I had been in the mortage/real estate business from 1987 to 2005 and resigned to go back to school and I kept my notary current. When I was a Loan officer I had to do property inspections in order to see if appraisal conditions were met. Sodding, seeding, gutters and downspouts, windows replaced, sidewalks repaired, basements completed. FHA appraisal inspections. I took pictures. (That is if the lender allowed me to do the inspection.) Normally with certain conditions it was done by the appraiser or certified inspector.

The whole thing about weddings? I had just never heard of.

Again, I know it was a shot in the dark. Thanks for the information.

Reply by Tess on 5/23/10 2:02pm
Msg #337816

Re: Marriages

I became ordained (through the internet) just to see if I could. Just because you are ordained, does not mean the marriage you preformed is recognized in your State and or County. Check with your local authorities for the laws regarding who can perform marriages in your state. I personally could/would not marry anyone, as I am not of the true clergy, and because, as a Notary in PA, that is not one of our allowed duties!

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/23/10 2:31pm
Msg #337818

Re: Marriages

I think those internet ordinations are crazy! Here is one judge who ruled that one marriage performed by a "minister" of the Universal Life Church was not valid.

http://www.religionnewsblog.com/19343/internet-ordination-judge-unties-the-knot

Reply by Tess on 5/23/10 3:18pm
Msg #337819

Re: Totally agree! n/m

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/23/10 7:44pm
Msg #337830

Thanks for posting that

That is exactly why I never perform weddings as an ordained minister, only as a notary public. Personally I think the whole thing is fraduluent, and it makes me mad to see notaries on this board (in states where notaries can not officiate marriages) who indicate in their profile that they do weddings, because I am quite sure none of them have attended a seminary school and become ordained through a legitimate denomination, but rather, they became ordained online or by mail.

However, (and I know this is somewhat hypocritical), I am a ULC ordained minister as it allows me to administer the premarital preparation course required in Florida to have the 3-day marriage license waiting period waived. The course material is basically already written by the Florida Bar and, IMO, it does not take an ordained minister to spend a few hours with a couple going over the material. In addition, as a paralegal specializing in family law, I have significant knowledge of the divorce process, which is what a large chunk of the state-approved course entails. So, yes, I do administer this course as an ordained minister. However, out of principle I only perform wedding ceremonies as a notary public, as I know there will be no question as to the validity of the marriage.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 5/23/10 8:07pm
Msg #337833

Re: Thanks for posting that

Yes, that is hypocritical on your part. In the late 1970's in a case in NY, the ULC won against the IRS. It has been recognized as a Church since that time.
I am an ordained Rabbi as is my husband.
I have met many ULC ministers. I can tell you that many of them have a better knowledge of the Bible than some so-called Rabbis and Ministers that I know.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/23/10 8:57pm
Msg #337842

Well, I say live and let live

I conduct my ceremonies as a state officer and require that it be looked at as a very official, formal, and legally-binding ceremony. Some couples want something a little more fun/whimsical/etc. and for that I think a ULC minister would be more appropriate. But, it is the couple's special day and they are free to choose who they want.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/23/10 9:03pm
Msg #337843

Re: Thanks for posting that

I am a ULC ordained minister as it allows me to administer the premarital preparation course required in Florida "

And what training do you have? it is not enough to be an ordained minister, you have also to have the relevant training.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/23/10 9:08pm
Msg #337844

I do have the relevant training, and proof thereof

was filed with my application to become a registered course provider

Reply by Maureen_nh on 5/23/10 10:22pm
Msg #337846

Re: I do have the relevant training, and proof thereof

I hate to rain on your parade , but I guess that is almost impossible.
Are you saying that you are a certified marriage counsilor? By whom?
You have the authority to perform marriages by virtue of your status as a notary in the state of FL. That is all, and it is a very serious obligation.
You are either having a lot of fun pulling a lot of chains here , are serious a dickhead, or need help.
You are intelligent and articulate, if you are playing games cut it out and get the respect you deserve.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/23/10 10:35pm
Msg #337847

Re: I do have the relevant training, and proof thereof

No, not a certified marriage counselor. In Florida one has to take a premarital preparation course to get the license at a reduced fee.

QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS
Under Chapter 741 ofthe Florida Statutes, an instructor is qualified to teach the Premarital Preparation Course ifhe or she is one of the following:

A psychologist licensed under Chapter 490
A clinical social worker licensed under Chapter 491
A marriage and family therapist licensed under Chapter 491
A mental health counselor licensed under Chapter 491
An official representative of a religious institution which is recognized under s. 496.404(19), if the representative has relevant training
A school counselor certified to offer premarital preparation courses
As authorized by Chapter 74 I, this Circuit has chosen to establish a roster of area course providers, including those who offer the course on a sliding fee scale or for free.
In order to be added to the roster, the following forms must be filed with the Administrative Office ofthe Court.

The premarital preparation course may include instruction regarding:

Conflict management
Communication skills
Financial responsibilities
Children and parenting responsibilities
Data compiled from available information relating to problems reported by married couples who seek marriage or individual counseling.

I would not want to seek instruction on children and parenting responsibilites for starters from someone who has no experience with children or being a parent.

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 5/23/10 10:39pm
Msg #337848

Re: I do have the relevant training, and proof thereof

Or from someone who himself, is still a child!

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/24/10 7:02am
Msg #337860

Still a child? I'm no less of an adult than you are n/m

Reply by Susan Fischer on 5/24/10 2:30am
Msg #337855

Well, Sylvia, I guess that leaves out Catholic Priests -

their "experience with children or being a parent" is non-existant, unless you count the abuse.

You said, "I would not want to seek instruction on children and parenting responsibilites for starters from someone who has no experience with children or being a parent."

You're trying to disparage Universal Life Ministers as automatically unqualified across the board, and you're wrong on every level. There are many courses for we clergy at our Church, and who are you to summarily dismiss any of it?

And, just for starters, "having experience with children or being a parent" does not a counselor make. I've seen a lot of "religious" people give some very bad advise.

Anyone else's religious beliefs are not for you to decide, Sylvia. There is no Right or Wrong here.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/24/10 6:54am
Msg #337858

Re: Well, Sylvia, I guess that leaves out Catholic Priests -

"You said, "I would not want to seek instruction on children and parenting responsibilites for starters from someone who has no experience with children or being a parent"

I stand by it - that is my personal feelings. I am not deciding anyone else's beliefs, religious or otherwise.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/24/10 7:43am
Msg #337865

Re: Well, Sylvia, I guess that leaves out...Susan

IMO, and for me personally, yes it does - I've always said I would never go to a Catholic priest for marriage advice or child-rearing advice because they've never walked a mile in my shoes...I'm not one for "counseling", but given a choice would I go to a minister? Yes.....a Catholic Priest? Absolutely not.

And for the record, I'm not putting down any denominations or people but my feelings are that the online ordinations are too easily abused and I, personally, don't regard them with the same respect as a "normal" ordination that comes with all the traditional theological training.

MHO

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/24/10 7:51am
Msg #337866

Re: Well, Sylvia, I guess that leaves out...Susan

"child-rearing advice because they've never walked a mile in my shoes"

this also reminds me of when my son was born. As I refused to stay in the hospital after his birth a nurse came to the home daily to make sure everything was OK with him and I didn't need any help. (We already had a 6 year old daughter, so I wasn't a novice mother). One day when the nurse came she noticed a box of baby cereal in the cupboard. (David was waking up every two hours in the night to be fed - he was a hungry baby!, so I always put a little cereal in the bottle which helped satisfy him). The nurse told me he was too young to have cereal in his bottle according to the books. I just looked at her and said that it was all very well for her to go by the book, but David was only a baby and too young to read and he didn't know he wasn't supposed to need a little cereal in his bottle. We fired her that day!

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 5/24/10 8:41am
Msg #337870

Very old joke about the Pope and contraception. "He no

playa the game, he no makka the rules"

Reply by Shoshana/AZ on 5/24/10 9:04am
Msg #337875

OMG! Earl Butz said that! LOL! n/m

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/24/10 7:05am
Msg #337861

Yes, I am a certified marriage counselor by the ULC n/m

Reply by C. Rivera Chicago Notary Services on 5/24/10 1:02pm
Msg #337904

OH MY GOD...they'll just give certs out to ANYBODY! n/m

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 5/24/10 7:35am
Msg #337863

Re: Thanks for posting that

" I never perform weddings as an ordained minister, only as a notary public. "

Photo on your website shows you in a clerical cassock...and you say "I can perform any type of ceremony - religious or civil"......?? Really...

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/24/10 8:13am
Msg #337869

Linda, the FL handbook uses the word "holy" in the sample

marriage ceremony, so IMO, yes, I can perform religious ceremonies. Keep in mind that a hundred years ago all marriage licenses issued by the Clerk of Circuit Court contained the words "Holy Matrimony".

I have never performed a marriage ceremony as anything other than a notary public. If you need confirmation of that, please feel free to search the public records.

Reply by PAW on 5/24/10 2:43pm
Msg #337925

Re: Linda, the FL handbook uses the word "holy" in the sample

You did notice that it is parenthetical, didn't you? That means, it is optional to be used and not required.

By definition, a marriage performed by a notary or any government official, is a civil marriage or secular marriage and not by religious organization.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/24/10 9:00am
Msg #337873

Try reviewing item II-3 under the Rules & Guidelines

for this forum, Robert. The question was about performing weddings as a notary public only.

Reply by Robert/FL on 5/24/10 9:21am
Msg #337882

And, like I said, I only perform weddings as a notary public

I only brought up the fact that many members of this forum perform weddings as ordained ministers and advertise in their profiles that they perform weddings.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 5/23/10 8:17pm
Msg #337836

Check out:

"In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Judge C Theodore Fritsch Jr. has upheld the right of ministers ordained by the Universal Life Church to officiate weddings. This ruling affirmed the marriage of Jennifer and Jason O'Neil, officiated in 2005 by Jason's uncle Robert A. Norman, a member of the ULC Monastery.

Fritsch's ruling is binding only in Bucks County, although the ACLU has won similar victories in recent months in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties."

http://blog.themonastery.org/2009/01/ulc-monastery-wins-decisive-lawsuit-in.html

The creation of a new family is a magical experience - and, no one has challenged my authority to officiate weddings.

I, for one, really resent my ordination being characterized as "crazy," and would hope that our Constitutionally guaranteed Freedom of Religion is not subject to the whims and personal biases of local county judges.

Reply by MW/VA on 5/23/10 9:59am
Msg #337804

Various opportunities for notaries is state specific. Some states require a thumb-print, for instance. Only a few states allow a notary to officiate at weddings. Inspections is another field that many notaries augment their work with.

Reply by Darlene Lane on 5/23/10 8:20pm
Msg #337837

I have learned a lot in the last 24 hours about the weddings and inspections. I read everything about the state of Ohio and I don't believe notaries in Ohio can perform weddings. Even if we could I would not want to do that. I am an Adventist and I think weddings should be performed by ordained ministers that have gone to Seminary. It is not for me. Now, I could make the wedding cake and play the piano for them.

As far as the inspections, no way do I want to get involved in that. Inspections for a clear to close should be done by a inspector or the appraiser since he is calling for the work to be done.

I am going to save myself a lot of time and just stick with document signing and fingerprinting. I have closed loans, dispersed funds and shipped packages for over 20 years. We just never required fingerprints for notarized documents.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 5/24/10 5:52pm
Msg #337946

"As far as the inspections, no way do I want to get involved in that. Inspections for a clear to close should be done by a inspector or the appraiser since he is calling for the work to be done."

The inspections referred to are not home inspections in that sense - in fact, in some states (mine is one), you have to be licensed to do those.

These inspections are usually related to insurance or some other financial interest, and generally require going to a location, taking some pictures (and maybe some measurements), and possibly doing a brief interview. They are usually quick and don't pay much, but can be profitable if you only accept those that are close to you.

Vision Compliance is one company that prefers to use notaries for their "inspections", which involve visiting companies that are requesting access to consumer credit info. Your purpose for being there is to verify that the company actually exists (and I've come across a few questionable ones while doing these), and you back this up with photos and a questionnaire. You're not going to get rich doing these, but if you manage the geography you can pick up a little extra cash.

There are other similar firms - Rebecca Fair sells an excellent list of these companies for about $10. You can contact her at [e-mail address], or just google her name to find her website.

Hope this helps...

Reply by Claudine Osborne on 5/23/10 8:21pm
Msg #337838

My husband and I do home inspections..When someone is purchasing a home often times they want the house inspected before purchase so they know what problems they may run into.

Reply by roxierox/TX on 5/23/10 9:14pm
Msg #337845

I learned fingerprinting as a California Notary. I have not had any request for this service since I have moved to Texas, but I am ready if someone asks. I am an ordained and licensed minister and that is why I can perform weddings. I believe that in some states, notaries can perform weddings. I am not sure about the inspections. I would suggest that you go to the Secretary of State website for your state and I am sure that you will be able to find out if these are services that you can provide as a notary in your state. Always remember that it is better to ask "stupid questions" than to make stupid mistakes. Ask away. I think that is what this forum is for.

Reply by Darlene Lane on 5/24/10 5:59am
Msg #337857

I have the Secretary of State for Ohio Saved. Doing marriages and inspections do not interest me.

I asked about the marriages because I had not heard of that being a notary here in Ohio. I just conducted round table closings for a title company.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/24/10 6:59am
Msg #337859

"I have the Secretary of State for Ohio Saved"

Did Jennifer Brunner need saving???

(Sorry, couldn't resist - I know you mean you saved the website)

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 5/24/10 3:37pm
Msg #337934

Authority to perform a marriage. A friend of mine claims

that he once successfully convinced a young blond lady that
either a bartender or a bell hop could perform a marriage.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 5/24/10 4:02pm
Msg #337938

Re: Authority to perform a marriage. A friend of mine claims

A friend of mine in England was married by the mailman:)