Posted by jnew on 4/9/12 10:42am
Msg #417347

Notarizing two deeds

I was asked by attorney for lender to notarize two copies of deed. Any one else have a problem with that? Second one was not shown anywhere as a copy, so I am notarizing two original documents of conveyance. At one time, we would only do an original and then certify copies, but were advised not to have parties execute more than one original instrument of conveyance. Would you consider the second document executed to be a legal conveyance since the property was already conveyed by the first?

Reply by OR on 4/9/12 10:54am
Msg #417349

No I do not have any problem with Notarizing signatures on 2 DOT's in a package. If it is a reverse mortgage then it is the normal. It is not our job as a Notary to decide anything about a form. That would be UPL. Our job is to notarize the signature only. If the borrowers are willing to sign the 2 DOT's then I would notarize 2 DOT's. my2cents.

Reply by jnew on 4/9/12 10:55am
Msg #417350

Re: These were deeds in lieu of foreclosure not DOT n/m

Reply by OR on 4/9/12 11:04am
Msg #417352

Re: These were deeds in lieu of foreclosure not DOT

I still do not have a problem with 2 deed in the package. It is not our place to choose what documents need to be signed or how many. We are to just to notarize there signatures. It is the signers job to decided if they are willing sign the form or forms even if there are 2 or 200 of the same form in a package. Any thing else is Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL).

Reply by Gina/VA on 4/9/12 12:09pm
Msg #417357

Re: These were deeds in lieu of foreclosure not DOT

I concur. I have had to train myself years ago not to over-think my job as a notary. Some things during the signing process seem not to make sense, may not even be a necessity but I have to remember that my only job is to witness the signature of the signer before me.

I know its easy to get caught up in the process of it all but that used to only serve to stress me out. I am a notary only - witness, verify ID, stamp, and exit.

Reply by jnew on 4/9/12 1:03pm
Msg #417364

Re: These were deeds in lieu of foreclosure not DOT

I agree with you both. This is not our duty to make these decisions. I was just pondering as to whether the company that asked me to notarize two originals was acting properly in doing so. After looking at the Deed and the Estoppel Affidavit, both of which are to be recorded, I noticed that they had the exact same acknowledgment, even though one is a deed and the other an affidavit. It just seems to me that the companies may not be giving any thought to the way they are doing things.

Reply by Les_CO on 4/9/12 2:16pm
Msg #417372

I would guess the lawyer just wants a second original for a copy and to be safe. Remember it’s the (1st) one that gets recorded that counts. If everything is identical I would do it. If there were 200 I wouldn’t. JMO