Only time I've needed a witness (other than myself), and the signers couldn't get a neighbor to pop over for a minute, we met at a Starbucks. The signers had already taken it upon themselves to buy a $5 Starbucks gift card to give to the witness. I'm pretty sure the guy we found would have been happy to help regardless, but I thought it was a nice gesture - and so did the witness. (And since we were already at Starbucks, it was a safe bet that he'd use that type of gift. It was also a lot less tacky than just handing someone cash...)
As for the notary bringing someone, I agree it's not our responsibility, but if doable, $25 is more like it. Personally, though, I don't know anyone who'd be willing to travel to an appointment with me to witness one signature, then sit there through the whole signing & travel back - all for just $25. I'd probably just get raised eyebrows if I asked for that...  |
