Professional Boundaries:

Protecting Yourself, the Borrower, and the Integrity of the Signing

Professional boundaries are essential in every signing appointment. They protect you, the borrower, and the entire transaction. As a notary, you are a neutral, impartial witness — not a legal advisor, not a loan expert, and not a customer‑service representative for the lender. Maintaining clear boundaries ensures that the signing stays compliant, efficient, and free from misunderstandings. At Notable, we expect our notaries to uphold strong professional boundaries at every appointment, regardless of the borrower’s personality, questions, or expectations.

Why Professional Boundaries Matter

Borrowers often look to the notary for guidance, reassurance, or clarification. While you are there to facilitate the signing, you must never cross into roles that are outside your authority. Boundaries:
•     Protect you from liability
•     Prevent unauthorized practice of law
•     Keep the signing neutral and compliant
•     Ensure the borrower receives accurate information from the correct source
•     Maintain professionalism and consistency across all Notable signings
A notary who understands their role — and stays within it — is a notary who inspires confidence.

Core Professional Boundaries Every Notary Must Maintain

1. You Do Not Explain Loan Terms
Borrowers may ask:
•     “Why is my payment higher?”
•     “Why did my rate change?”
•     “Why are my fees different from the estimate?”
Your response should always be neutral and consistent: “I can’t explain loan terms, but I’m happy to pause so you can speak with your lender or title representative.”
You guide the process — you do not interpret it. 

2. You Do Not Give Legal Advice
Legal advice includes:
•     Interpreting contract language
•     Advising whether a borrower should sign
•     Explaining legal consequences
•     Suggesting how to complete documents
If a borrower asks for legal interpretation, redirect them to the appropriate party.

3. You Do Not Influence the Borrower’s Decisions
You must remain neutral. This means:
•     No opinions about the loan
•     No comments about whether the borrower is “getting a good deal”
•     No pressure to sign
•     No discouraging them from signing
Your role is to facilitate, not persuade.

​

 4. You Do Not Alter Documents
Notaries must never:
•     Add missing information
•     Cross out or modify loan terms
•     Fill in blanks unless instructed by the hiring party
•     Change dates to “help” the borrower
Any document concerns must be escalated immediately.

​

5. You Do Not Share Personal Opinions or Experiences
Borrowers may ask:
•     “What do you think about this lender?”
•     “Have you seen this loan before?”
•     “Would you sign this?”
Your answer should always maintain neutrality and professionalism.

​

6. You Do Not Allow Borrowers to Cross Personal Boundaries
Professional boundaries also protect you. Red flags include:
•     Borrowers asking for personal contact information
•     Borrowers requesting future services outside the assignment
•     Borrowers making you uncomfortable
•     Borrowers asking you to stay longer than necessary
You may politely decline and redirect: “All scheduling goes through the company that assigned me. They’ll be happy to help.”

​

7. You Do Not Perform Notarial Acts Outside Your Jurisdiction
You must follow your state’s laws. This includes:
•     Where you can notarize
•     What ID is acceptable
•     What certificates you can complete
•     Whether you can notarize for family members
If the borrower requests something outside your authority, you must decline.

How to Maintain Boundaries Gracefully

Professional boundaries don’t have to feel rigid or cold. You can maintain them with:
•     Warm, neutral language
•     Clear explanations of your role
•     Confidence in your responsibilities
•     Respect for the borrower’s concerns
A simple phrase like: “I want to make sure you get the most accurate information — let’s reach out to your lender or title company.”
keeps the signing compliant and protects everyone involved.