Your Trusted Notary for Legal Documents
Fast, Convenient and Professional Notary Services at Your Doorstep
Fast, Convenient and Professional Notary Services at Your Doorstep
Our mission is to provide reliable, efficient, and professional notary services with a commitment to integrity and accuracy. We aim to support our clients through every step of their legal and administrative processes, ensuring that their documents are notarized correctly and securely. Our dedicated team is focused on delivering exceptional service and fostering trust within our community, helping individuals and businesses navigate their important transactions with confidence and ease.
We offer mobile notary services that come to you, at your convenience. Whether it's at your home, office, hospital or any other location, we can help you get your documents notarized quickly and easily.
As a licensed notary public, we can notarize a wide range of documents such as wills, trusts, contracts, and more. Our notary services are available for individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout the area.
An estate plan is a strategic arrangement of your financial and personal affairs designed to manage and protect your assets during your lifetime and distribute them according to your wishes after your passing.
Our loan signing services are designed to help you close your mortgage, refinance or HELOC loans with ease. We understand the importance of getting your loan documents signed and notarized on time, and we strive to make the process as smooth as possible.
Our real estate notary services include notarizing deeds, affidavits, power of attorney documents, and other legal documents related to real estate transactions. We work directly with real estate agents, brokers and title companies to ensure a seamless notarization process.
We love our customers, so feel free to Call for an Appointment Today!
San Antonio, Texas 78230
Frank Detrick (210) 445-4005 frank@americaneaglenotary.com
Today | By Appointment |
As a notary public and business owner, I’ve seen many misconceptions floating around about what notaries can and cannot do. Just because some notaries are doing something doesn’t necessarily mean it's legal or compliant with state laws. This is a crucial point to understand—not only to protect the public but also to protect yourself as a notary from legal consequences.
**Understanding the Role of a Notary**
Notaries are entrusted with safeguarding the authenticity of legal documents. We act as impartial witnesses in the signing of important papers such as deeds, affidavits, and contracts. However, we must operate strictly within the boundaries of our commission. Not every state has the same notarial rules, but in Texas, where American Eagle Notary operates, these regulations are clear and leave little room for interpretation.
The problem arises when notaries begin to rely on the practices of others rather than the letter of the law. For example, you might see another notary skipping steps, not requiring proper identification, or overcharging clients for their services. While these practices may seem harmless—or even justifiable—because “everyone else is doing it,” they can quickly land you in legal trouble.
**Common Illegal Practices to Avoid**
1. **Skipping the Identification Process**:
It may be tempting to notarize a document without thoroughly checking the signer’s ID, especially if you’re in a rush or familiar with the client. However, Texas law mandates proper identification for all signers. Failing to do so is not only a breach of duty but can also lead to significant consequences, including revocation of your notary commission.
2. **Providing Legal Advice**:
In Texas, a notary is not allowed to offer legal advice unless they are also an attorney. However, I’ve seen notaries offer advice on how to fill out forms or interpret legal language. This is not only illegal but can mislead clients and create serious legal liabilities for the notary. You must draw a clear line between your duties as a notary and any legal advice a signer may need.
3. **Notarizing Incomplete Documents**:
Another common misstep is notarizing documents that are not fully filled out. Some notaries think they can rely on the signer to complete the document later. This is against the law in most states, including Texas. Every document you notarize must be complete and accurate at the time of signing.
4. **Not Keeping a Notary Journal**:
Though Texas does not require notaries to maintain a journal for every transaction, it is a best practice that I strongly recommend. It helps protect you if any disputes arise about the notarization. Some states do mandate a notary journal, and it’s always a good idea to adopt this practice to stay organized and avoid any legal scrutiny.
**Why Following the Law Matters**
Operating as a notary means you have the public’s trust. As a mobile notary in Texas, I see firsthand how important it is to maintain the integrity of this role. It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing something just because it seems convenient or because you’ve seen other notaries do it. However, the notary laws exist for a reason: to protect the public from fraud and ensure the accuracy of important legal transactions.
Just because other notaries may cut corners doesn’t mean it’s okay for you to follow suit. If you engage in practices that violate your state’s laws, you risk losing your commission, facing hefty fines, or even being involved in lawsuits that can harm your reputation and livelihood.
**Be a Leader, Not a Follower**
At American Eagle Notary, we take pride in upholding the highest standards of professionalism. By following the law and adhering to best practices, we ensure that every notarization is legitimate, thorough, and compliant. As notaries, we must educate ourselves continuously and avoid shortcuts that might seem harmless but can have serious consequences.
In conclusion, it’s vital to remember that just because other notaries are doing something doesn’t make it legal or right. Stay informed, follow the law, and uphold the integrity of your commission. By doing so, you’ll build a strong reputation, protect yourself legally, and serve your clients with excellence.
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