Posted by RedBaron/IN on 3/10/11 1:36pm
Msg #375751

Split Signing

I am the first notary of a split signing. After I acknowledge the first signer the package is overnighted to the 2nd notary. Should I be concerned that the second signer can sign on the page I have already acknowledged the first signer. I, of course, have not witnessed the second signer. Comments please.

Reply by Roger_OH on 3/10/11 1:41pm
Msg #375753

The other signer can sign on the same page; the second notary will attach a loose acknowledgement/jurat for that signature.

Your notary certificate should reflect that the second signer did NOT appear before you by either lining out his/her name in your notary certificate (if it appears) and/or writing the word "only" after the name of the signer you acknowledged.

Reply by NJW/FL on 3/10/11 1:44pm
Msg #375754

You just need to put a line through the borrower's name that is not present if it is already printed in the acknowledgment. I also write" not present " if the name is pre-printed. If you are writing the name in, only put the name of the borrower whose signature you are acknowledging.

Reply by Frank/NC on 3/10/11 1:51pm
Msg #375759

When you notarize the signature you can either write "only" after the borrower's name or place a dash after the borrower's name and then either cross out the name of the second person or use a loose certificate for the notarization.

Reply by CopperheadVA on 3/10/11 2:03pm
Msg #375762

As the others said, the second signer may sign the document at a later time. All you need to be concerned about is your notary certificate. When I am the first notary, I cross out the name of the absent person in my notary certificate, and I initial. If no names appear in the notary certificate, I will write my signer's name in.

Reply by RedBaron/IN on 3/10/11 2:12pm
Msg #375767

Thank you all. This really helps.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/10/11 2:18pm
Msg #375770

Another little tidbit...

If witnesses are required or you're going to sign as a witness - under the witness line, print your name and add "as to <<name of your signer>> only"...if there's two witnesses I'd suggest having your second witness do the same - this way there's no question you witnessed only one signer.

JMO

Reply by LindaD/NJ on 3/10/11 2:58pm
Msg #375775

Did you send the docs to NJ? I had one today just dropped.

Reply by RedBaron/IN on 3/10/11 3:25pm
Msg #375777

I will after the signing.