CD&C Launches Virtual Paralegal Firm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC
(888) 680-0870
inbox@cdcformsprocessing.com
http://www.cdcformsprocessing.com

New York City, NY – December 01, 2007 – CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC ("CD&C") offers virtual paralegal assistance to solo practitioners and small law firms. The members of CD&C have a combined 35 years experience working as corporate paralegals. They have worked with several top law firms in the nation. Their duties include, but are not limited to, Blue Sky, CFTC, HSR and Broker Dealer filings. In addition, they have experience with corporate governance, forming/maintaining legal entities, drafting and analyzing legal documents including resolutions, minutes, bylaws and policies among other paralegal duties.


About CD&C

CD&C is a virtual paralegal firm that strives to achieve results that exceed expectations through their commitment to their clients. Their mission is to take a genuine interest in their clients, understand their objectives, and meet or exceed their expectations. They provide their clients with safe, reliable and quality one stop shopping for all paralegal services. For more information about CD&C products and services visit them at http://www.cdcformsprocessing.com.

New Requirement for NSAs - Background Check

More and more, we, as a nation, are becoming ultra-concerned and extremely protective of personal data and personal information. Identity theft, depending on who you believe, is either running rampant in our country or not as prevalent as we have been led to believe. Still the “powers that be“ appear to be pushing for getting a handle on verifying the identity of all Notary Signing Agents. Some will see this as progress, while others tend to view it as a continuation of the Big Brother Syndrome.

In any event, for those who haven’t been updated, here’s what is transpiring now. Some lending institutions, banks, title companies and signing agencies are requesting that some of their “employees’ and “service personnel“ involved in the lending process undergo background screening and compliance training. Pretty much any individual that has access to the financial information of borrowers must submit to a background check. The “kicker“ here is that they also have to pay for it - more on that later! Notary Signing Agents fall right in the middle of that group. This sudden requirement is based on their loose interpretation of Gramm-Leach Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act.

While the members of CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC (“CD&C”) have yet to be required to provide certification, there have been such requests of some of our subcribers from various lending agencies and signing companies. However quite a few questions are emerging as to the sudden rush to have the certification done and as to whether it is necessary to do it. Also, the cost of doing this certification ranges anywhere from $9 to $150. Based on our readings, the general consensus is that there needs to be a definitive ruling on whether or not the requirement was supposed to be applied to “contractors“ such as NSAs.

When is it going to be a requirement for signing companies/title, escrow and various lenders to submit to background checks as required of the NSA to help prevent fraud? Maybe, if there was a requirement, it would reduce non-payment to signing agents. It would be harder for a “Mr. Joe” to open shop for a few days, close shop and re-open under a different name; all the while refusing to pay NSAs. There should be a list/system where reputable companies are listed to help the NSA weed out the bad companies. The NSA will be put on a list/system where the title companies will only hire the NSA who have had the background check and are certified. No system is perfect, but it can help to reduce the NSA’s risks.

Why do NSAs have to pay for the background check? The title companies are requiring the background check, so why shouldn’t they pay for it? Can the NSA purchase the background check without certification? Are they willing to pay an increased fee for advance education now that we are certified? Another expense added and we are still being underpaid or not paid at all…

Until that can be established, we recommend that you think long and hard about forking over your money. And if it turns out that we actually do need to have our certification, then we should discuss all options so as to have the most cost efficient service available.

By CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC, http://www.cdcformsprocessing.com Leaders in business & legal forms processing and notary services. © 2007. All rights reserved.

Signing Companies Not Paying Notary Signing Agents

A recent survey by CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC ("CD&C") of Notary Signing Agents ("NSA") resulted in several areas/topics of concern. The chief response among the feedback centered on non-payment and debt collection. In a nutshell, NSAs are doing signings and are being "stiffed" by some signing companies. This has been a problem for notary signing agents for a long time. Question is...what can be done about it?First, let us say that there are many reputable companies out there. But there are a few bad apples. These disreputable companies take advantage of the NSAs services. In fact, it would appear that scamming NSAs is becoming its own business. There are companies that open shop, hire NSAs to do closings, then refuse to pay them or promise a "payment/check in the mail" that can never seem to get there. Then there are other companies who agree to pay a certain fee for the services of a NSA, only to reduce the fee after the closing has been completed. Excuses range from poor quality of work to lenders not paying enough for the closing to citing slow business. What happens to these companies? Well, after enough complaints are lodged against them, they simply close shop and re-open under a different name.

There has to be a solution to this problem or, at the very least, a way to protect the NSA from being ripped off over and over again. One such way is the listing of companies that practice this scam in a public forum where NSAs can view such information before deciding whether or not to accept an assignment. There are several sites on the internet where for a nominal fee you can research signing companies. Most, if not all, of these sites also allow you to post your complaints for free. We here at CD&C have put together a manual/book called "Debt Collection Links & Resources Manual" which provides information on various resources available to assist with collecting outstanding debts. In addition, we also have a workbook titled "Notary Signing Agent Business Forms & Charts". Apart from containing a slew of very helpful charts and forms designed to facilitate a seamless work environment/product for the NSA, the workbook contains an agreement that can be used before accepting any signing. The members of CD&C are also NSAs, and we have been burnt before as well, so we speak/write from personal experiences. We ask our clients to sign the agreement so that we have something in writing to fall back on in case of any misunderstanding about payments or our responsibilities.The other side of the coin , according to several signing companies, is that some NSAs do very sloppy work. Some notaries would tend to agree. Think about it!! How many times have NSAs done closings for reputable companies because they needed someone to do "clean up" work. How many instances have you seen or known about where the initial closing wasn't completed because the NSA who did it neglected to make sure all the documents were signed and notarized where applicable. In these cases, the signing companies have to send another NSA to complete the closing. This means that the signing company will have to pay twice for the same closing. In other cases, what about NSAs who have completed signings, but will take up to a week before they send back the necessary documents to the signing companies.In the final analysis, it becomes beholden unto the NSA to do each signing correctly. If we do this, then the signing companies will have no excuse or "wiggle room" for not paying the fees. Unless, of course, they are unscrupulous to begin with.

By CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC, http://www.cdcformsprocessing.comLeaders in business & legal forms processing and notary services. © 2007. All rights reserved.

How to Use Association and Organizations Membership to Get New Clients for Your Business?

Most people join organization and associations but never utilize their benefits. As a serious business owner, and we at CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC ("CD&C") would like to think we fall in that category, growing your business should be at the top of your priorities. Joining a business association/organization could help you get new clients/customers and possibly increase your business sales and recognition. Organization and associations offers several benefits that may enhance your business. Some of the benefits includes but are not limited to the following:Workshops, seminars, webinars, conferences and teleconferences. These benefits allow you to network with your peers, open discussions about what is going on in your industry, what others are doing and possibly put you in contact with potential clients/customers.Webinars and teleconferences are often offered online and by telephone where you can listen and participate in the comfort of your home. Often time you are allowed to record the teleconferences so that you can view and listen to them whenever convenient for you.Attending organization and associations meetings keeps you informed of the changes in your industry such as new products and services, discussion of new ideas and a review on how the industry is doing in general.Forums/Notice boards provide a place for you and your peers to meet on a regular basis and give feedback about their experiences in your business. Forum/Notice boards sometimes offer insider and time saving tips as well as answers to questions from people who are active in your line of business.Newsletters and industry articles, subscribing to association and organization newsletters will keep you inform on news updates. Make sure to take the time to read their newsletters and articles to keep up on the trends in your business, what your competition is doing and in most cases you will get feedback from your client/customers about what they think about the business and its services.
Always read archived newsletters and articles to learn about things that worked and didn't work in the past for your line of business. Past issues will also give a history of your business and answers to frequently asked questions.Get involved, volunteer with your association and organizations. Join committees. You may consider contributing to their newsletters this will give you exposure for your business and you may be viewed as an expert in your industry. Joining committees will also allow you to make decisions that will affect your business and a voice in the changes to your industry.Other benefits include the following:Member discounts - before shopping for business supplies, you should check your organizations and associations and their business affiliates for availability of discounts.Some organizations will lobby to protect your business industry in state legislature and state courts.Take advantage of their continuous training and educational programs.Most of them offer directory listing where you should consider advertising your services. Keep in mind that potential clients go to the organization and associations to find help.Some organization and associations like the National Notary Association offers personal identity theft protection for their members.If they have a logo, ask permission to use it on your website and marketing materials. It can create credibility for your clients/customers.Organizations and associations establish professional standards, give your business credibility, keep you updated on legislative news & activities, and enhance recognition of your profession. They can also increase awareness & value in the market place.

By CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC, http://www.cdcformsprocessing.com Leaders in business & legal forms processing and notary services. © 2007. All rights reserved.

Pricing Your Products and Services to Make a Profit

Pricing is always a sensitive topic in business. There are no set fees for independent contractors/freelancers; well, usually there aren't. However, there are price ranges that we tend to follow. It takes a certain amount of skill and juggling to maximize your earning potential. You have to be careful not to price yourself out of the market, but, at the same time, you do not want to price your services too low where you barely make a profit. On the flip side you do not want to price your services too high where volume is so low you can't cover your operating expenses. Well, where and how to start? Always keep in mind the first rule of business!! You are in business to make money. That being said; you have to price your products and services to generate a profit. In the case of the notary signing agent, you have to take into consideration the state(s) and counties that you cover, travel expenses incurred, among other things. Virtual assistants such as independent paralegals/legal assistants/secretaries, bankruptcy forms processors and legal document preparers have to also consider the cost and use of equipment such as computers, its maintenance, office supplies, faxing and copying cost. Most importantly, in all cases you should factor in the price for your time. What are the options? You may consider increasing your prices above the average if your services reflect your advanced skills, knowledge and experience. It might be a good idea to have references that can support your claim. Be confident when negotiating your fees with your clients. If you can support the price of your fees with your quality of services and products, then you do not need to make excuses for your fees. Clients are usually willing to pay market or above market fees for quality services, excellent customer service and top-notch experience. Keep in mind though that even if you are great at your job, you may not get calls for work because your rates might be too high. Time to do some juggling!!

Price can also be a sign of quality. If you price yourself below your competitors, you may communicate that you are of lesser worth. I doubt that would be your intent. Focus on your value to the client, focus on their need for you. You should be experienced, dependable and professional, and, importantly, do the BEST job. Yep! Like I said; it takes serious juggling skills! By CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC, http://www.cdcformsprocessing.com Leaders in business & legal forms processing and notary services. © 2007. All rights reserved.

Notaries, Are You Unknowingly Committing Fraud?

A valuable tool/asset to have is that of the office/position of a notary public. In fact, most form processors, paralegals, virtual assistants will undoubtedly be taken much more seriously if they are also notaries. In the real estate transaction world, hardly any deal can get finalized without the familiar stamp of a notary public. The office of the notary public, while not the most highly paid, oftentimes serves as the last bastion or high tide for ethical and moral behavior. However, recently a shift has started to take place where more and more often, notaries are put in positions where they risk their stamp and seal, and, if subjected to the scrutiny of an overzealous legal system, possibly, some of their freedom.

Once upon a time, and rightly so, the only way to obtain a notary's stamp and seal was to personally appear before one with some form of legitimately acceptable identification. But, in recent times and given the boom in the housing market, notaries were being pressured to notarize documents without meeting and verifying the signatories. There's a story of a notary public who also happens to work at a law firm that was pressured by his supervisor and various attorneys on a deal to notarize documents on that deal without proper protocol. That notary was made to believe his job was dependent on his compliance. He stood his ground and refused to notarize anything improperly, and, luckily for him, the threat of termination was not followed through on. Needless to say, he is not a favorite person amongst some persons at his firm.

Simply put - Never notarize a document where you cannot verify the identity of the signer. You may have done countless closings with a particular signing company, became good friends with a broker or lender, have a "high trust factor" with them, but you can lose your license, or worse, go to jail for fraud. There is no telling if and when your action done today will come back to haunt you; could be tomorrow, next week, next month or next year; you just never know.

The following tips may serve as a mini guideline on what to look for as a notary performing your job.

Always make sure the name on the document matches the name on the identification presented to you. If these names don't match, don't do it.

Never notarize any documents that have blank spaces. These blanks can be filled in at a later time, and you could be a party to a fraud.

As a notary, make sure that you witness the document is being signed. Have the signer(s) appear in person in front of you.

It is ideal that as a notary you can be able to communicate with the signer(s) in your native language. For example, if you do not speak Spanish, it is probably best to let a Spanish-speaking notary notarize the documents of Spanish speakers.

We are aware that the pressure may be applied, and in an effort to drum up or increase business, the temptation may arise. Don't do it.

Enjoyed our article? We would love to hear from you. Let us know of any situation you may have been encountered with where you felt a fraud was about to take place.
By CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC, http://www.cdcformsprocessing.com Leaders in business & legal forms processing and notary services. © 2007. All rights reserved.

A Day in the Life of a Blue Sky Paralegal

“Blue Sky Laws” are state laws that regulate the offering and sale of securities to protect the public from fraud.

I have been working as a Blue Sky paralegal for more than 10 years. In this role, I am responsible for reviewing the offering memorandum and serving as a liaison with clients’ in-house counsel to gather the information needed to complete the appropriate forms. After completing the forms, I coordinate the signature pages and have them signed by the authorized signatory. I then prepare the cover letters to the states and the SEC, including an executed copy of the necessary forms together with a check to cover the filing fee.

I greatly enjoy the constant contact I have with attorneys and clients, and I also enjoy building relationships with the states regulators. While it is sometimes difficult to track down clients to get the information needed for the forms, I have found that creating a calendar and sending a reminder memo to my clients on a monthly basis has expedited the process.

My advice to any paralegals who may be considering pursuing Blue Sky as their area of expertise is to get as much training as they can in researching states laws, rules and exemptions. In addition, during the filing process, I’d recommend creating a file for each fund and maintaining a status chart to keep the work organized. Attention to detail, strong organization, and verbal and written communication skills are very important in this line of work.
By CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC, http://www.cdcformsprocessing.com Leaders in business & legal forms processing and notary services. © 2007. All rights reserved.

Again, Notary Signing Agents Are Under Appreciated.

A few days ago I read a very disturbing blog entitled “Buyer Beware When Hiring Notary Public" In my opinion, all notary signing agents should check it out for themselves. Please feel free to send us your feedback at inbox@cdcnewsletter.com. Below please find our response to Diane Cipa of The Closing Specialists.

In response to your blog “Buyer Beware When Hiring Notary Public”. My first reaction was to ignore you. I figured you were someone who knew better but wanted the attention. However, as a notary signing agent I had to respond for the sake of my fellow notary signing agents who have worked very hard, but are never appreciated. As a notary public, if someone comes to me and ask me to notarize documents I charge them the state regulated fee which for me living in New York is $2.

However, when a lender calls me and asks me to take documents to borrowers who in most cases live at least 30 minutes from my house it is ignorant of you to say that it is fraud for me to charge $125.00. First the lender will email me the documents which are usually about 50 or more pages of which I am asked to print two sets. I am asked to call the borrower to confirm the signing. Most lenders expect me to have errors and omission insurance, and in addition to completing the state requirement for becoming a notary public, the lender asks that I take it a step further and get certified. Most lenders require background checks. After the closing I have to fax back documents to the lender.

For your information …
The lender does not pay for my notary supplies.
The lender does not pay for my certification.
The lender does not pay for my errors and omission insurance.
The lender does not pay for my background check.
The lender does not pay for the pages they ask me to fax back to them.
The lender does not pay or provide the paper for me to print more than a 100 pages.
The lender does not provide the toner for my printer.
The lender does not pay my internet service so that I can access email ...accessing the loan documents.
The lender does not pay for gas or toll for me to get to the location most convenient for their borrower.
The lender does not pay maintenance for my car.
Some lenders do not pay me if the borrower does not show up.
Some lenders do not pay me if the borrower refuses to sign.
Some lenders do not pay me if the loan never gets funded.
Some lenders do not pay me at All!

Its easy for an ignorant person to describe the notary signing agent’s duties as a “point here sign here job” but when the borrower ask me questions such as “What is my interest rate”, “What are my monthly payments”, “When is my first payment due”, “Where should I send my payments among other things”, the lender expects me to know the forms and be able to show the borrower where to find that information.

Lets not forget the borrowers who decide to read the details of the loans documents which means I have to sit there for more than an hour. Ms. Diane Cipa, I am sorry but my notary signing agent fees of $125 is more than reasonable!

Regards,
CD&C

How do you determine the prices of your products and services?

The result from CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC last survey question, "How do you determine the prices of your products and services?" 53% based it on their business expenses, 30% on what they think their clients are willing to pay, 12% based it on other factors and 5% based on their competitors' price.

Experts believe that the direct cost of your products and services, your business expenses and your competitors' price should all be taken into consideration when pricing your products and services. In addition, you need to determine your breakeven point, where your cost and your income are equal meaning there is no profit. Any product you sell or any service you provide after your breakeven point is considered a profit. Also pay attention to what your industry and the economy doing. With technology new products and services are upgraded very frequently.

CD&C’s Add New Page To Website – “Interesting Stuff”

New York, NY, October 2007 - CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC (“CD&C”) has added a new page to our website called “Interesting Stuff”. The Interesting Stuff page consists of news, articles, tips, anything/everything interesting targeted to virtual freelancers, independent contractors and consultants. Our subscribers and customers include but are not limited to notary signing agents, paralegals/legal assistants, virtual assistants, document preparer, attorneys, and small businesses. New posts are added to the Interesting Stuff page on a weekly basis.

4 Reasons You Should Consider Changing Your Business Name.

You may consider changing your business name:

If you decide to expand your business nationwide and your current business name includes your City and/or State name; for example New York Notary, New York Paralegal.
If your business name is so obscure most customers are confused by it.
If your business name is similar to that of your competitor. It is important that your clients can differentiate you from your competitors especially if they are referring new clients to you.
Your business name is difficult to spell and understand. If your business name is difficult to spell your clients will have a problem finding you on the internet and referring your business to potential clients.

Has There Been An Increase In Business For Notary Signing Agents Since New Background Requirement?

The National Notary Association reported that as a measure to protect private and sensitive information of consumers, the federal government has require that all persons involved in the lending process undergo background screening and compliance training. The requirement will affect every individual with access to borrowers’ financial information and includes Notary Signing Agents as well as employees of lenders and title services firms. This mandate is spelled out in the Gramm-Leach Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act and applicable Interagency Guidelines. Lenders now requiring that all Notaries handling their loan signings have background screenings.

According to a Survey conducted by CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC in their CDC Newsletter concerning the new requirement for notary signing agent to become certified and have background check in order to continue working as NSAs. The result of the survey was 86% responded No and 14% responded Yes to the survey question, “Have you seen an increase in business since the new certification and background requirements?”

According to the National Notary Association, NSAs who want to continue working for lenders and title services firms that are complying with the consumer protection law will have to undergo background screening. However, the questions most notary signing agents have concerning the new background and certification requirement are, will these lenders and title companies consider to hiring NSAs who get their certification and background screening from other companies other than the NNA and are these lenders and title companies willing to pay the NSAs more for their services?

Can Anyone Become a Virtual Assistant?

The three members of CD&C Business & Legal Form Processing Services, LLC, have combined 30 years as paralegals/legal assistants. One positive of our time “in the trenches” is the opportunity to get hands-on training and to develop relationships with current and potential clients. A potential field of business opportunity is the Virtual Assistant. What is a Virtual Assistant, you ask? A Virtual Assistant (or simply VA), is an independent contractor providing administrative, technical, or sometimes creative assistance to clients–usually to other independent entrepreneurs and solo and small business practices, such as that of a lawyer or realtor. Virtual assistants work from their own office (hence “virtual”), thus making it a fairly popular (and growing) profession. It is estimated that there are about 5,000-8,000 virtual assistants worldwide.

The virtual assistant business is a very competitive industry. We would suggest to anyone entering the VA field to start with a basic business plan. For example, start in an area where you have experience, know your targeted clients, don’t waste time and money marketing to people who don’t need your services. In addition to internet marketing, good old fashion direct mailing, flyers and post cards still works. Keep in mind that the virtual assistant job description is very broad. As long as you can offer your skills online you can be qualified as a virtual assistant. As mentioned before make sure it is a skill in which you have knowledge and experience. So how does one find jobs/clients as a Virtual Assistant. Aggressive marketing and exceptional skills is what keeps us above or a least on par with our competition. What do you think?

Bankruptcy Forms Processing Business

We have received several emails from bankruptcy forms processors who feel a little lost and frustrated because their businesses are not taking off like they were expecting. For most bankruptcy form processors this area of business is very new to them. Time and money was invested in the training materials and seminars and workshops, but finding clients is proving very difficult to get. We at CD&C are looking into ways and methods to improve marketing and making it easier to attract and keep clients. What do you think? Any ideas? suggestions/ success stories? insider secrets? Drop us a line. Later CD&C.