Posted by ajd/pa on 8/16/13 7:27pm
Msg #480742

Notary for opening safe deposit box

I am doing my first safe deposit box opening next week. I have looked at the archive to get some information of what this might entail and I have a better idea, but still have some questions. I know that each state is a little different but looking for general guidelines.
This is just one box (belonged to father of friend), being drilled by bank. Will the bank have the necessary forms? Do you all (who have done this) charge by the hour or flat rate? Am I actually notarizing anything and if so who signs the book, the bank person?
Thanks for your input.

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 8/16/13 7:35pm
Msg #480743

The person that opens the box signs the log. You and the bank rep will go thru the box log the contents and you will notarize the document. It's pretty simple. Your in/out quickly unless there's a lot of stuff.

Reply by ME/NJ on 8/16/13 7:50pm
Msg #480747

Should be a locksmith, two bank employees and you. You need to find out how many boxes are scheduled to plan day. A box can take 10 minutes to open (longer depending on locksmith) if box is empty that is a great thing, if full it can take awhile to inventory each item. You should charge per hour, most companies will pay a min of 4-5 hours of your time if longer you bill the agreed hourly rate.

If it is 5 or more boxes block out at least half the day to be safe, most times I won't take any other work to 5-6pm if it is a 9am box opening. You just never know what you may run in to.

Reply by ajd/pa on 8/16/13 9:50pm
Msg #480767

It is just one box for a friend (her father passed away). The bank requested (told her) that she needs to provide a notary for the box opening. She asked me what my fee would be for doing this for her. Am checking to see what else I need to do. We know that there are things, mostly papers, in the box, so it is known that the box is not empty.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/17/13 9:33am
Msg #480800

Aviva, please read the link I provided for you below

That link specifically addresses state requirements for the opening of safe deposit boxes for decedents.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/16/13 8:44pm
Msg #480751

I've never done this, but I'm curious on why you accepted

without finding out what they were paying or setting your fee. For instance, my minimum fee for GNW is $25 w/travel. I'm thinking your fee would be at least that or upwards.
As others have told you, I think you're there to act an impartial witness as to the contents of the safe deposit box. I'm sure the bank has a form for it.

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/16/13 8:55pm
Msg #480758

You need to check your Pennsylvania regulations

on this.. the PA DOR has regulations as to who opens a safe deposit box, when, how, what forms are needed, etc etc. Is this an authorized duty of a PA Notary Public - to inventory the box? In Florida it's a duty we can perform and our manual gives us the forms and the procedure. However, you may only be showing up to notarize the bank employee's/personal rep's signature - it may be just a simple GNW appointment.

If this IS an authorized duty for PA notaries, you should check with PAN or with your SOS as to proper procedure and fee for this.

JMHO