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Hey everyone, Kendra here from Girl Friday Notary Services! You might be thinking, “It’s just a notarization, no big deal,” but let me tell you, notarization is A BIG DEAL ! It’s not just a signature; it’s a critical step in protecting you from fraud and ensuring your important documents hold up legally. So, why does this matter to you? Well, if your documents aren’t notarized properly, you could be dealing with legal and financial trouble. As a notary, it’s my job to make sure everything is done right — but understanding the importance of notarization benefits you, too. Here’s what can happen if things go sideways: Suspended or Revoked Commission Notaries can lose their license if the rules aren’t followed. States like Texas, Nevada, and Washington can suspend or revoke a notary’s commission for things like not requiring someone to be present when signing. Yeah, it’s that serious! Criminal Penalties In states like North Carolina and Georgia, notarial mistakes can lead to criminal charges! Depending on what happened, it could mean a misdemeanor or even a felony in extreme cases. Yikes! Civil Penalties Mistakes can also hit the wallet. For example, in Virginia and Arizona, notaries can face fines for losing their notary stamp and not reporting it right away. That’s money out of pocket — nobody wants that. Lawsuits & Financial Liability Believe it or not, if a notary messes up, they (or their employer) could be sued for financial damages. If a notarization mistake leads to someone’s financial loss, lawsuits can happen. It’s not just the notary — employers can get dragged into it too. That’s why I’m all about doing things by the book. How I Avoid These Consequences for You: I know Washington State laws inside and out. Ignorance isn’t an excuse! 2. I always require personal appearance and proper ID from anyone signing in front of me. No exceptions! 3. I never falsify info on a certificate and double-check everything. 4. I keep my notary tools secure when not in use — my stamp and journal are locked up tight! 5. Every notarization is fully recorded in my journal, no shortcuts. 6. I don’t give legal advice or choose the type of notarization for someone. That’s not my job, and it’s "UNAUTHORIZED PRACTICE OF LAW." Bottom Line: Notarization might seem like a simple formality, but it’s actually a key step in ensuring your important documents are legally binding and protected from fraud. Let me help you keep things secure, professional, and by the book. If you need something notarized, I’m just a message away! GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES "Notarization may be boring, but I'm not!" www.girlfridaynotaryservices.com 253.208.2792 #GirlFridayNotaryServices  #ProtectYourDocuments   #FraudPrevention   #WashingtonStateNotary   #TrustworthyNotary   #RoyWAServices   #MobileNotary

Ever wondered how notarization works for someone who’s visually impaired? It might seem tricky, but with the right approach, it’s totally doable—especially in Washington State. Let’s break it down. First things first, it’s crucial to ensure that the signer fully understands what they’re signing. In Washington, if the signer can’t read the document, you’ll need to verify that they know its content. A good way to do this is by asking the signer to describe the document in general terms. If their description doesn’t match up, it’s best to pause the process and reassess. What if the signer can’t sign due to their impairment? Washington State allows for something called “signature by proxy.” This means the signer can direct you, the notary, or another person to sign on their behalf. The key is that the signer must be present and clearly indicate their wishes. Just make sure to follow the specific guidelines, like noting that the signature was affixed by proxy. Remember, this process is all about protecting the signer, so if you’re ever unsure about how to proceed, take a moment to ensure everything is clear and that the signer fully understands the document. It's always better to pause and double-check than to rush through something so important. Got a question or need help with a notarization? I’m here to make the process smooth and stress-free—just reach out! "Notarization may be boring, but I'm not!" https://www.girlfridaynotaryservices.com 253.208.2792 #notarynearme  #visualimpairment

Hey everyone!  I'm Kendra Marroquin, a retired Firefighter/EMT turned proud owner of Girl Friday Notary Services.  My top priority is providing timely, professional, and meticulous notary services with utmost convenience for you. My motto is Quality over Quantity & People over Profits . I believe in building lasting and trusting relationships with my clients, which means I focus on quality, not the number of signings per day. I specialize in estate planning and real estate notarizations, but I can notarize any document you need, including: - Vehicle title transfers - I9 verifications - Minor consent to travel - Business contracts - Leases - Small estate affidavits - Quit claim deeds - Powers of attorney - Trusts - Wills - Healthcare directives - And so much more! As a 100% mobile notary, I'll come to your preferred location—whether it's your home, office, or a coffee shop—at a time that suits you. I even offer Remote Online Notarization if an in-person meeting isn't convenient or feasible. The best part of my job? Meeting new people (and their pets) every day!  I love chatting and getting to know my clients, making sure our appointments are more than just business. I mean, c'mon, my tagline is "Notarization may be borning, but I'm not!" so you know we are going to have a good time! Need documents notarized and want a happy professional who gets the job done quickly and efficiently? Call Girl Friday Notary Services today!

Got a handwritten document that needs notarizing? You might be wondering if it’s even possible. The answer: Absolutely! Notaries have been notarizing handwritten documents since way back when quills were still a thing. Whether it’s a will, a contract, or even a heartfelt note, if it’s got a signature, it can be notarized. But here’s the deal—what actually gets notarized is the signature, not the document itself. So, as long as the signature is there, you’re in business. Now, if your handwritten document doesn’t come with a notarial certificate (which, let’s be honest, most don’t), it’s up to the signer to pick the type of notarization needed, whether it's an oath/affirmation or just an acknowledgment. Your notary can then add the appropriate certificate, whether it’s handwritten or printed. A quick heads up: Notarization won’t magically make your document “official” or “legally binding.” It simply confirms the identity of the signer and that they signed willingly. For the all the legal stuff, an attorney is your best bet, as notaries cannot give legal advice or create documents for you. So, next time you’re wondering if that handwritten document can be notarized, remember—it’s a yes from GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES!

Today I want to chat about a document that might pop up during your loan signing process: The USA PATRIOT Act CIP Form Sounds a bit intense, right? But don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you in a fun and simple way. What’s the purpose of this form? Well...the PATRIOT Act was signed into law in 2001 to help prevent terrorism and money laundering. Part of this act, specifically Section 326, requires banks and financial institutions to have a Customer Identification Program (CIP) in place. This means they need to verify the identity of anyone opening a new account, including home loan borrowers. Why is this important for you? When you’re getting a loan, a Notary Signing Agent (that’s me!) will ask you to fill out a USA PATRIOT Act CIP Form. This form helps confirm that I’ve properly identified you during the signing appointment. It’s all about keeping things secure and following the rules. You might see this form under different names like “Verification of Customer Identity” or “PATRIOT Act Information Form,” but they all serve the same purpose. They’ve been around since 2003 and are pretty standard in loan document packages. You will not see this form included in seller's closing documents because a seller is not taking out a loan. Here’s a fun fact: This form doesn’t need to be notarized. But...since I’m already there to help with your loan documents, I’ll handle the info required. What information is required? Typically, it includes your name, date of birth, Social Security number, or tax ID number. I’ll also jot down details about the ID you provide, like the type, number, issuing state, when it was issued and when it expires. What form of ID is required? Generally, only one form of ID is required, but at times two forms may be required. Common ones include your driver’s license, passport, or any other government-issued ID with a photo and signature. Just make sure it’s current and not expired! So there you have it—a quick and easy guide to the USA PATRIOT Act CIP Form. It’s all about keeping things secure and making sure everyone’s playing by the rules. If you have any more questions or need help with your loan documents, you know where to find me!

Core to any successful business is empowered employees. When leaders give everyone in the organization the chance to improve systems and processes, and when employees can lead initiatives and projects on their own, the whole company benefits. Why Empower Employees? Empowerment isn't just a buzzword; it's a management philosophy cultivated with intention. It leads to stronger job performance, higher job satisfaction, and a deeper commitment to the organization. Here’s why you should care: Higher Productivity & Creativity: Empowered employees are more creative and productive. They take initiative and feel accountable for their work. Motivation: With the right support and tools, motivated employees can achieve great things. Better Business: Engaged employees boost profitability. Did you know companies with engaged employees see a 21% increase in profits? Enhanced Customer Experience: Empowered employees handle customer issues more effectively, improving overall satisfaction. Boosted Reputation: Happy employees are your best brand ambassadors, attracting top talent. Higher Trust in Leadership: When employees trust their leaders, they’re more engaged and motivated. Reduced Dead Time: Empowered environments minimize wasted time and resources. Enriched Work Culture: Empowerment fosters a collaborative and resilient work culture. How to Empower Your Employees: Recognize Hard Work: Show appreciation and give honest feedback. Communicate Goals Clearly: Make sure everyone is on the same page. Promote Problem-Solving: Encourage employees to tackle challenges independently. Flexible Work Environment: Adapt to employees' needs, like flexible schedules. Provide Resources: Offer the necessary tools and training for success. Empowerment is a journey, but the results are worth it. Let's all do our best to build a more engaged, motivated, and productive workforce!

Recently, I had an incredibly touching experience that reminded me why I love my work as a notary. A woman reached out to me needing help notarizing a document to verify her identity as the mother of her deceased son so she could obtain a certified copy of his death certificate. When I agreed to do the notarization, I was aware of the nature of her request, but I didn't ask any personal questions about the deceased. Firstly, because it's none of my business as a hired professional, and secondly, because the content of the documents doesn't impact my responsibilities as a notary. My sole job is to verify the signer's identity, ensure they are signing willingly and with understanding, and then notarize the document. I carried out my duties without probing, and thought nothing of it. The next day, however, I received a heartfelt text from this woman. She expressed deep gratitude for my professionalism and respect for her privacy. She told me how much it meant to her that I didn't pry into her personal life or the details of her loss. The deceased was her firstborn son. I was deeply moved. I wrote her a heartfelt note in return expressing my sincere condolences for her tremendous loss and shared that I was glad I could assist her without adding to her pain by invading her privacy. This experience reinforced why I take my job seriously with every client I serve. You never truly know what someone might be going through. My role is to show up, act professionally, and do my job meticulously, ensuring my clients are happy and satisfied. I am proud to serve each and every one of you with the utmost respect and professionalism. Thank you for trusting me during your most vulnerable moments. GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

I wanted to share a recent experience that highlightS the importance of collaboration, networking, and trust in our profession. I’m currently recovering from a major orthopedic surgery, which means I’ve been unable to drive for the past few weeks. For a mobile notary like myself, this has been a significant challenge since my ability to serve clients depends on my mobility. However, in the midst of this setback, I’ve discovered the incredible value of having a strong network. I’ve been developing connections with fellow notaries who can step in and take on jobs when I’m unable to. During my recovery, I had to rely on one of these trusted notary associates to handle jobs I couldn’t physically perform. Thanks to this collaboration, I was able to ensure that my clients received the notary services they needed, even when I couldn’t be there in person. It’s a win-win situation for both me and my notary associate. I was able to uphold my commitment to my clients, and my associate had the opportunity to expand their client base. I have complete trust in my fellow notary’s skills, professionalism, and dedication. Knowing that my clients are in good hands brings me great peace of mind. This experience is a testament to the power of networking and the importance of building strong, trustworthy professional relationships. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during this time, and a special shoutout to my notary associate for stepping up and representing the notary profession with such excellence. Together, we can achieve so much more. Stay connected, support each other, and trust in the power of collaboration! GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

Recent research from Konkuk University in South Korea explored the magic behind animal-assisted interventions, showing just how much joy and relaxation our four-legged pals can bring. Here’s the scoop: Meeting the dog: Instant happiness boost! Grooming the dog: Say hello to a relaxed state of mind. Playing with the dog: Maximum fun, minimum stress. Feeding the dog: Warm fuzzy feelings all around. Hugging the dog: Pure bliss. Massaging the dog: Heightened concentration. Walking the dog: A relaxed and wakeful state. EEG readings from the study showed increased alpha-band oscillations (think relaxed wakefulness) during play and walks. Meanwhile, grooming and massaging led to beta-band boosts (hello, concentration without stress!). Bottom line? Whether you're playing, walking, or just hanging out with a pup, you're bound to feel more relaxed, less stressed, and overall happier. Participants reported feeling significantly less fatigued, depressed, and stressed after every dog-related activity. As Dr. Andrea Bonior from Psychology Today says, this research could shape the future of targeted animal-assisted interventions. From easing pain in hospital patients to helping kids with autism, therapy animals have shown incredible benefits.   Here are a few more amazing facts: Therapy dogs can ease pain and improve satisfaction during hospital stays. Fibromyalgia patients felt better just by spending time with a therapy dog. Sedentary adults stuck to walking programs because “the dogs need us to walk them.” Children with autism showed more positive social behaviors in the presence of a dog. Whether it's lowering blood pressure, increasing survival rates after heart attacks, or providing essential emotional support, our pets are true health heroes. So, next time you’re cuddling your furry friend, remember they’re not just cute—they’re also boosting your health and happiness! Keep wagging and stay pawsitive! GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

Miles Driven: Full-Time Mobile Notaries: 1,000 to 1,500 miles/month. Extensive travel to multiple client locations. Part-Time Mobile Notaries: 500 to 1,000 miles/month. More localized and less frequent travel. Highest Paying States: District of Columbia: $147,072/year California: $145,751/year New Jersey: $144,826/year Alaska: $143,901/year Massachusetts: $143,769/year Most Lucrative Notary Jobs: 1. Notary Signing Agent: $75-$200 per signing. 2. Remote Online Notary (RON): Higher fees due to convenience. 3. Mobile Notary: Additional travel fees. 4. Estate Planning Notary: Handling complex documents with attorneys. 5. Legal and Corporate Notary: High-volume notarizations. Plus, did you know 75% of notaries in the U.S. are women? Celebrating the incredible impact and dedication of women in this field! IMPORTANT NOTE- These stats were taken mostly from the National Notary Association and are all just estimates of miles driven and income levels. All miles driven and income levels will be dependent on many variable factors so exact figures cannot be provided. GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

I recently attended a course about goal setting so I thought I would share some of the simple yet crucial steps you need to remember to take when setting goals for yourself. Setting and achieving goals can feel like an uphill battle, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Here are my top 10 ways to set and achieve your goals, whether they're personal, professional, or anything in between.   1. Define Clear Goals: Be specific about what you want to achieve. Instead of saying, "I want to get fit," try, "I want to lose 10 pounds in three months." 2. Set Measurable Milestones: Break your goal down into smaller, measurable milestones. This helps you track progress and stay motivated. For example, aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week if your goal is weight loss. 3. Create an Action Plan: Outline the steps needed to achieve your goals. If your goal is to start a business, list tasks like writing a business plan, securing funding, and marketing your services. 4. Stay Realistic: Set goals that are challenging yet achievable. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and burnout. Consider your current commitments and resources. 5. Set a Timeline: Give yourself a deadline to work towards. Deadlines create a sense of urgency and help you stay focused. Ensure your timeline is realistic to avoid unnecessary pressure. 6. Stay Organized: Use tools like planners, calendars, and apps to keep track of your progress and deadlines. Organization helps you stay on top of your tasks and reduces the risk of missing important steps. 7. Visualize Success: Imagine yourself achieving your goal. Visualization can boost your confidence and motivation. Create a vision board or write a detailed description of your success to keep you inspired. 8. Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or coach who can provide support and hold you accountable. Regular check-ins can help you stay on track and motivated. 9. Be Flexible: Sometimes, life throws us curveballs. Be prepared to adjust your plan if needed, but don’t lose sight of your goal. Flexibility helps you navigate obstacles without giving up. 10. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your progress along the way. Small victories keep you motivated and remind you that you’re moving in the right direction. Reward yourself for hitting milestones. Achieving your goals is a journey, and every step counts. Stay focused, be patient, and keep pushing forward. Remember, it's not just about the destination but also about the growth and learning along the way. What are your goals for this year? Share them in the comments, and let’s inspire each other to reach new heights! GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

Today, let’s talk about something important in estate planning—trusts. As a notary, I often get questions about what trusts are and why they’re beneficial. So, here’s a quick overview to help you begin to understand trust basics. What is a Trust? A trust is a legal arrangement where one party (the trustor) transfers assets to another party (the trustee) to manage and hold for the benefit of a third party (the beneficiary). Trusts can be used for various purposes, such as managing assets, protecting property, and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after your passing. Benefits of Creating a Trust: 1. Avoiding Probate: One of the main benefits of a trust is that it allows your estate to bypass the probate process. Probate can be lengthy and costly, but assets held in a trust can be distributed to beneficiaries more quickly and with less expense. 2. Maintaining Privacy: Unlike wills, which become public record during probate, trusts remain private. This means the details of your estate and who inherits your assets can be kept confidential, which can be a significant advantage for many families. 3. Asset Protection: Trusts can provide protection for your assets against creditors and legal claims. Certain types of trusts, such as irrevocable trusts, can shield your assets from being seized to pay off debts or legal judgments. 4. Flexibility and Control: Trusts offer flexibility in how and when your assets are distributed. You can set specific terms and conditions for the distribution of your assets, such as age requirements for beneficiaries or stipulations for educational expenses, ensuring your assets are used as you intended. 5. Tax Benefits: Depending on the type of trust, there can be significant tax advantages. Trusts can help reduce estate taxes and provide other tax benefits, ensuring more of your assets go to your beneficiaries rather than being lost to taxes. Creating a trust can be an excellent way to manage your assets and protect your loved ones. However, it’s important to get the right legal advice tailored to your situation. Disclaimer: I am not an attorney, and this post is not intended to be used as legal advice. Always seek legal counsel when creating a trust to ensure it meets your specific needs and complies with state laws. If you have any questions about notarizing trust documents or need a reliable notary service, feel free to reach out! Let’s ensure your estate planning is smooth and secure. GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES