Tips for Ensuring a Financial Power of Attorney is Accepted by Banks

 Real Life, Real Situations:

When notarizing a Financial Power of Attorney (POA), it’s common for clients to use documents downloaded from the internet. While this is a standard practice, issues can arise when the document is presented to a bank. For example, a bank may reject a Financial POA due to specific verbiage or formatting that doesn’t meet their requirements. To avoid such situations, here are three practical tips to ensure your Financial POA is accepted by the bank:

1. Present a Clear Copy to the Bank in Advance
   Before finalizing and notarizing the Financial POA, provide a clear copy to the bank for review. This allows the bank to confirm that the document meets their specific requirements, such as including the correct legal language or account-specific details. Early feedback can save time and prevent rejections after notarization.

2. Verify State-Specific Legal Requirements
   Financial POAs must comply with the legal standards of the state where they will be used. Each state has unique rules regarding wording, witness requirements, or additional clauses. Contact the bank or consult a legal professional to ensure the document aligns with state laws and includes any necessary provisions, such as durability clauses for ongoing authority.

3. Include Specific Powers and Account Details
   Banks often require explicit language detailing the agent’s authority, such as the ability to manage specific accounts, pay bills, or conduct transactions. Ensure the POA clearly outlines these powers and, if possible, references the specific bank accounts or financial institutions involved. This clarity reduces the likelihood of the bank questioning the document’s scope.

By following these tips—checking with the bank beforehand, ensuring state compliance, and specifying powers—you can increase the chances of a smooth acceptance process for a Financial POA.

Why Trying to Complete a Signing in 30 to 45 Minutes Isn’t Always the Best Practice

As a Loan Signing Agent, efficiency is important—but rushing through signings to meet tight timeframes is not always the best approach, especially when working with clients who may have special needs or require extra time, such as older adults or individuals with disabilities.

Recently, I had a signing that took nearly two hours. Why? Because my client was legally blind and required a special magnifying device to review the documents. Each document had to be carefully positioned under the magnifier so the client could see it, which naturally took additional time.

Taking the time and care to explain the documents patiently made a significant difference. It’s important to remember that rushing signings not only risks mistakes but can also make clients feel rushed and undervalued.

If you find yourself running late due to extended appointments, it’s crucial to communicate with the signing company or any other scheduled appointments. A quick call to apologize and ask if the delay is okay shows professionalism and respect for everyone’s time.

Respectfully, I will not rush through my appointments in general. Sometimes signers have not had a chance to review their documents before the signing. Giving them time to peruse and understand their paperwork is key to a smooth signing process.

While you might feel pressured to meet a daily quota, it’s wise to schedule approximately two hours between signings to accommodate any delays or special circumstances.

Remember, it’s about your customers and signers. Making a good impression by being professional, respectful, and patient goes a long way in building trust and a strong reputation.

Handling Difficult Customers as a Notary Public: Real Life:Real Situations

Part 3: Clarifying Expectations When Hired by a Third Party

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a notary public is this: when you're hired by a third party, always clarify what expectations have been set with the client.

In a recent experience, I was contracted by a company to notarize a vehicle title. However, it became clear that the client had not been properly informed about my role. A family member involved in the transaction believed I was responsible for submitting the title to PennDOT, even though the title was in her possession and that responsibility belonged to her.

Despite my clear explanation that I was only there to notarize the title and administer the oath, she insisted it was my duty to send it in. This confusion led to a great deal of unnecessary conflict, and unfortunately, this individual became hostile and difficult to work with.

It’s important to clarify that not all vehicle title transactions require the notary to submit documents to PennDOT. The responsibility often depends on the type of transaction, the agreement between parties, and whether the notary has been asked—or paid—to provide that additional service. In this case, that was not part of my assignment.

This experience, while challenging, taught me the importance of setting expectations early and asking key questions before proceeding.

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Three Tips for Notaries Working with Third Parties

1. Clarify What Was Communicated to the Signer
   Before meeting with the client, ask the hiring party exactly what they told the signer. Miscommunication from the start can lead to frustration and damage your reputation if expectations are not aligned.

2. Clearly State Your Role When Scheduling
   Let the signer know upfront that your role is to notarize the document and administer the required oath—not to process or submit documents to government agencies like PennDOT, unless you’ve been specifically asked to do so.

3. Educate Without Engaging in Conflict
   When a client misunderstands your role, remain calm and professional. Politely explain your duties and refer them to the appropriate party or agency if needed. If necessary, encourage them to contact PennDOT directly for clarification.