Kenneth Edelstein's (edelske) Blog

POA - Proceed On AlertThe Power of Attorney is perhaps the “most powerful” of all notarized documents. Some might argue the most powerful is the Will. I disagree. Wills are probated by a Court, an extended legal procedure with notifications, attorneys, and a Judge involved. On the other hand, som...

Your Signature – Needs WorkNo, I’m not referring to that strange squiggle you have on file with your notary commission. I’m talking about your “other” signature. It’s the one that your email program adds at the end of virtually every email that you send. Well, I’m willing to bet that at least a h...

The “Switching” Durable Power of AttorneyDurable – this means the Agent “Might” have authority at any given moment. Unlike the regular Power of Attorney, the “agency” relationship (not the specific powers) between the Principal and Agent (can) switch on and off. The status can be elusive, as it i...

The Path to Notary BurnoutThere can be too much of a good thing. Being a Notary Workaholic is a slippery slope that can do real damage to your health both mental and physical. Sure, you are making money; but there is more to life than money. There are several signs that you are “overdoing” it; th...

When Nature Calls the NotaryTo the classic certainties of life, death and taxes; I add peeing and pooping. For the sake of brevity and to somewhat display my immaturity, I shall revert to their earlier names: #1 & #2. I don’t know why mom chose those digits, but I well remember them. Enough refle...

Unilateral CommitmentsHello, Roundy Round Tires, do you have a Never Flat for my Go Go Mobile? Great, I might be stopping by later this afternoon, say 2PM. Can you assure me of instant service if I decide to show up? No, I don’t wish to make an appointment at this time; I just want your assurance...

The Right to Cancel done WrongIt’s easy to make errors on the Right to Cancel, also known as the Right of Rescission form. Unfortunately this form must be free of errors prior to funding. There are several ways to make a mess of it. This entry will cover a few of the more common errors; I’m sure ...

Really Long Distance Venue FraudWe all know what the Venue is. It contains the State (or Commonwealth, etc) and the County (or Parish, etc.) of the notarization. Specifically, it documents where the notary (not the affiant in some cases) signed the document. If an Acknowledgement is being issued;...

Summonses in notary’s mailboxBaby Boomers will recall the well known summons from the Draft Board. It began with “Greetings, and went on to specify an appointment to visit them……”. Not as life threatening is a civil suit summons. Somebody wants restitution for monetary damage you caused. You migh...

I don’t knowWhen I was young my mother sent me to summer camp (to get rid of me?). The director of the camp used to tell stories; always with deep meaning. I always remembered this one and it has much relevance to my notary work.Long ago in the time of the Pharaohs, the Hebrew slaves building a P...