By
By Michael Closen
We sometimes forget that our seals of office serve a significant purpose. The seal is such a key feature of notarization that the Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility specifically addresses it, as follows: “The Notary shall affix a seal on every notarized document and not allow this universally recognized symbol of office to be used by another or in an endorsement or promotion.” This ethical obligation applies to all Notaries, even those in states that do not at present statutorily require their Notaries to affix seal impressions on documents, for several reasons.
By
NNA Staff
Major worldwide changes to Notary systems are granting more powers in some regions, while decreasing privileges in others to make the Notary profession more competitive. While the role of U.S. Notaries tends to be more limited in scope than those performing the role elsewhere, these global law updates may have a lasting impact on Notaries everywhere.
By
Michael Lewis
The five financial institutions that were part of the National Mortgage Settlement have “implemented between 35 and 72 percent of the servicing standards” mandated by the agreement, according to an interim progress report.
By
NNA Staff
A close friend asked if I can officiate her wedding, now that I’ve taken my oath and become an Ohio Notary. Am I able to do so?
By
NNA Staff
With tens of millions of people now conducting business via mobile devices, identity thieves have turned to hacking smartphones to steal consumers’ personal information, according to government and industry experts.
By
David Thun
Notaries who took our August quiz on jurats generally demonstrated strong knowledge of the notarial act, but one question stumped more than half our participants — the difference between an oath and an affirmation.
By
NNA Staff
Major credit card companies are coming under scrutiny for poor recordkeeping related to bad debts that many observers compare to the “robo-signing” abuses that hit mortgage servicing industry two years ago.
By
Michael Lewis
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is seeking comment on a set of proposed rules designed to implement a wide range of consumer protections.
By
David Thun
Malcolm Morris is a Professor Emeritus at the Northern Illinois University College of Law and a recognized expert on notarial laws and statutes.
By
Moses Keshishian
To effectively harness the power of social media, small business owners and entrepreneurs should engage customers in a way that allows them to communicate exactly what they like — and don’t like — about their company or service.