Handling a Difficult Notary Situation – Part 2

What began as a routine notary service evolved into a complex and emotionally charged situation involving family conflict, miscommunication, and false accusations. After holding a vehicle title for nearly two months, the notary discovered their stamp had been partially defaced. The title had to be reprocessed, which required additional documentation from the vehicle seller—specifically, a death certificate for the co-owner, who had passed away.

While the seller (the father) was respectful and cooperative, his daughter became increasingly aggressive. She made multiple disrespectful phone calls, sent late-night emails, and posted public accusations—most notably claiming she had paid the notary $175–$200. In reality, no funds were exchanged between them; the notary had been hired by a third party. Despite this, the daughter repeatedly insisted on false claims and even threatened to report the notary to the state.

Throughout the ordeal, the notary remained professional, maintained boundaries, and only engaged through appropriate communication channels. They clarified their role, assisted the father with PennDOT requirements, and went above and beyond by mailing the documents personally. Once the father understood the full situation, he apologized and promised to handle the matter with his daughter. No further communication was received from her.

This experience serves as a reminder of how crucial communication and professionalism are, especially when dealing with family dynamics and misinformation.

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Three Tips for Notaries Dealing with Difficult Clients

1. Remain Calm and Stand Your Ground:
   If you’ve followed all legal and ethical procedures, don’t allow clients to intimidate or disrespect you. Stay professional and firm, and don’t hesitate to end abusive communication.

2. Clarify Your Role Clearly:
   Notaries are not responsible for actions or paperwork that fall outside their legal duties. When misunderstandings arise, politely explain your limitations and direct them to the appropriate party.

3. Keep Records and Know When to Escalate:
   Document all interactions, especially when false accusations or threats are made. If harassment continues, report it to your state commission or legal authority to protect your reputation and license.