Posted by ajd/pa on 7/15/13 2:02pm
Msg #476839

Phone consultation for adoption

I know something like this has been discussed here before, but I am having trouble finding it. Just got a call from a woman looking for someone to be with her for a phone hearing to complete an adoption. She was not sure if there were actually any notarizations to be completed but she was told that she needed that notary to be there during the hearing that would last about half an hour. Turns out that I have another commitment at the time (referred her to another local notary that I know) but was wondering the price neighborhood some of you might charge for this. Hourly? Flat fee? Or something else.
Thanks for any comments.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/15/13 2:17pm
Msg #476842

I've done this before. I put the client under oath before scheduled "phone deposition" took place. I recorded it in my journal. He signed my journal. The judge or clerk (I don't remember) then asked to speak with me by phone. He asked my name, title, and if he'd sworn to tell the truth. I was finished in less than 30 minutes.

I charged $40. I likened it to completing a verbal "jurat". I stressed with the client when he hired that my fee was based on me being at his home for no more than 30 minutes. If I was required to hang around and wait, I'd have to charge more.

Reply by Felicia Campos on 7/15/13 3:41pm
Msg #476865

Anyone do this in AZ?

Reply by HisHughness on 7/15/13 2:25pm
Msg #476846

I routinely do not charge for general notary services for adoptions, or veterans if the matter is even remotely connected with their service.

If it is a veteran adopting a war orphan I buy him dinner and loan him my car for the weekend.

Reply by Karla/OR on 7/15/13 2:36pm
Msg #476850

Right on!!! n/m

Reply by Darlin_AL on 7/15/13 10:57pm
Msg #476931

Uuuuuh, what car do you have???? Gassed-up? Could you possibly drive us, as my veteran husband & myself are kinda old & could party in the backseat (if its not a 2-seater)?

Reply by JanetK_CA on 7/15/13 3:11pm
Msg #476857

I've never done anything like that but I don't think I would even consider a flat fee. You never know how long something is going to take and all kinds of things can end up not as planned. Figure out what your time is worth - not just for expenses, but including a reasonable profit. You may want to quote in 1/2 hour increments.

Reply by ikando on 7/15/13 3:23pm
Msg #476859

I do as Michelle does, being sure to let the person who needs my service know that I charge an hourly rate, in 15 minute increments, for time spent over the 30 minutes included in my base fee.

Reply by ajd/pa on 7/15/13 3:46pm
Msg #476872

Thanks for the comments everyone.
Not sure if they are adopting a war orphan, but will take that into consideration.