How does one handle unexpectedly long signings?
I always do my due diligence and confirm details with signers prior to the appointment such as making sure they truly have proper ID with matching names so we don’t waste each other’s time. But what happens if special circumstances are either not disclosed or you have a “surprise” disabled/hostile signer?
About once or twice a year I will be completely blindsighted by challengning signings. Of course, if I am aware of any special circumstances or accommodations requested up front I can properly plan but I’m curious what those of you do in the “surprise” situations.
For example, I recently showed up to a signing where the husband was disabled (Parkinson’s, etc) and the wife was very anxious/hostile. No problem, I’m a seasoned notary and will absolutely do my best to complete the signing. However, an hour into the signing they were still signing escrow docs and I knew I wasn’t going to make my next scheduled appointment after them. Wife wanted to complain about her “rushed” experience with the loan officer and kept asking for what would be considered advice I am not permitted to dispense in my state. Reiterated this point several times with her and kept referring her to contact her loan officer. She really just wanted to have her concerns/vents heard.
My go-to line in this scenario is “I am happy to allow you additional time to discuss your concerned in detail with your loan officer however we will need to reschedule this signing appointment as I do have other clients scheduled and ready to sign documents.”
Eventually, I did contact my other signers and explained some of the circumstances and they were kind enough to reschedule for a later time that day.
What should be a 1-1.5hr signing turned into 3 hours.
My question is this: my time is very valuable. Is it right to ask for an additional fee (say, hourly fee) when a signing drags on like this? What if it’s due to a disabled signer (someone who physically must sign slow)? I want to be careful by not discriminating against any disabled parties but I also need to be fairly compensated for my time.
What would you do? |
