Recently I was called for a last-minute emergency notary. It was s a typical type of notarization–the client had to have the documents notarized because he had a court appointment the following morning.
As I started to review the documents I noticed his attorney hadn’t supplied paperwork that conformed with California notary law. I always carry current California Acknowledgements and Jurats in case the client doesn’t have what’s needed and wanted to perform proper notarization. I explained to the client that I would be attaching what’s called a “loose certificate.” In layman’s terms I am attaching a copy of the updated, proper California notary certificate. The client was thankful that I was prepared for this type of situation and proceeded to call his attorney and let him know that I was completing notarization. The client informed him that I supplied the proper notary Acknowledgement.
His lawyer than asked to speak with me and proceed to say he didn’t want any attached paper work and that I had to use what he supplied. When I explained to him that this was breaking the law and I could get fined and possibly lose my license for knowingly committing an illegal act he told me that what he needed overrode notary law! I couldn’t believe my ears. I then explained to him that what I was doing was what the law requires and that it would be acceptable in court tomorrow. He said he didn’t care and that I needed to do this his way. When I explained the gravity of breaking notary law and he started yelling and cussing that I had to do what he wanted. At this point a thirty-minute notary is now a two-hour notary. I was astonished that he wanted me to break the law.
I then handed the phone over to my client and I explained that if he wanted to make it to court tomorrow with the proper notary, then I’ve provided given everything he needs. His mother agreed and proceed to pay me. She also thanked me for my time, being that it was now ten o’clock at night.
As I walked out the door my client was on the phone with his lawyer. His lawyer told my client that I couldn’t leave and that I had to redo everything his way. I turned to my client, stood my ground, reassured him he has everything regarding a proper notarization and wished him good luck in court tomorrow.
Even though this was a challenging Notary, I felt good in my heart because I stood my ground and did the right thing.