Terms & Conditions
1. Overview
MER Notary Services provides professional Remote Online Notarization (RON) services to clients within the United States and abroad in accordance with Virginia law.
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern all services provided by MER Notary Services and are intended to protect both the client and the notary. By scheduling an appointment, approving an estimate, submitting payment, or using MER Notary Services, you agree to comply with these Terms and the Cancelation & Refund Policy.
2. Service Scope
Services include the preparation, hosting, and completion of electronic notarizations through MISMO-compliant remote platforms.
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All RON sessions are conducted on secure, MISMO-compliant platforms
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Sessions are audio-visually recorded in accordance with Virginia law
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Completed documents are digitally signed and electronically sealed (document lock), preventing further alteration
MER Notary Services reserves the right to decline any notarization that:
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Violates Virginia law
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Contains incomplete or incorrect documents
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Raises identity, willingness, or awareness concerns
3. Client Responsibilities
3.1 Identification and Readiness
Clients are responsible for ensuring that:
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All signers present valid, government-issued photo identification:
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U.S. driver’s license or state ID
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U.S. passport or passport card
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U.S. permanent resident card
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Foreign passport
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Each signer can communicate in English or through an approved interpreter arranged in advance
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All documents are complete and ready for notarization
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The signing environment is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions or outside assistance
The notary may terminate the session immediately if outside assistance, coaching, or unauthorized prompting is observed.
Termination under these circumstances does not qualify for a refund, and any applicable fees will be retained.
3.2 Technical Requirements
Clients must ensure that all signers have:
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A compatible device (desktop, laptop, or tablet) with camera and microphone
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A stable internet connection
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A supported browser for the assigned RON platform
If a session cannot be completed due to client-side technical issues, cancelation or preparation fees may apply.
4. Payment Terms
4.1 Direct Pay Clients
Clients must submit documents for review prior to scheduling a session.
An estimate is provided based on:
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Document type
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Number of notarizations
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Number of signers
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Session complexity or special requirements
Full payment is required in advance to confirm and secure the appointment.
A written estimate will be provided based on the documents and session details. Appointments are scheduled only after the estimate is approved and payment has been received.
MER Notary Services reserves the right to cancel or release any unconfirmed appointment if payment is not received within the required timeframe.
Notarization sessions will not be conducted without confirmed payment.
Completed notarized documents will be released at the conclusion of the session.
4.2 Business Clients
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No deposit required
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Services are invoiced after completion
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Payment is due per invoice terms (typically NET 15 or NET 30)
Accepted payment methods include:
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Check (business clients only)
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Credit or debit card via secure payment link
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ACH transfer
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Wire transfer (subject to a $25 processing fee). Wire transfer fees must be included in the total payment amount. MER Notary Services must receive the full invoiced amount, inclusive of any applicable fees.
4.3 Add-On and Rush Fees
Interpreter, witness, rush, and extended session fees are disclosed before scheduling and are non-refundable once scheduled or initiated.
4.4 Document Release and File Access
Completed notarized documents are released only after full payment has been received and verified.
Unpaid files are held for a limited time and may be removed from active access if payment is not received.
MER Notary Services retains notarial records in accordance with Virginia law and platform requirements. Internal storage, access, and retention practices may vary for operational, security, and compliance purposes.
5. Cancelations and Refunds
5.1 Policy Reference
All cancelations, reschedules, refunds, and non-refundable conditions are governed by the Cancelation & Refund Policy (Effective November 2025).
By booking or participating in an appointment, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agreed to both this document and the Cancelation & Refund Policy.
5.2 Service Completion Definition
A service is considered fulfilled once the notarial act has been performed or attempted in good faith.
This includes:
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Identity verification
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Session setup
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Interpreter or witness coordination
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Document preparation
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Reserved appointment time
5.3 Refund Processing
Approved refunds are processed within 10 business days using the original payment method.
All refund eligibility and conditions are outlined in the Cancelation & Refund Policy.
6. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes
Unauthorized chargebacks or payment reversals after a completed or attempted notarization are treated as payment defaults and may be considered fraudulent.
MER Notary Services reserves the right to:
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Pursue legal collection
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Recover attorney’s fees, court costs, and related expenses
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Report fraudulent disputes to payment processors or law enforcement, when applicable
Clients are encouraged to contact MER Notary Services first to resolve any billing concerns.
7. Dispute Resolution
7.1 Good Faith Resolution
Both parties agree to attempt resolution through direct communication before initiating formal action.
7.2 Optional Arbitration
If a dispute cannot be resolved, both parties may agree in writing to pursue binding arbitration through the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or another agreed forum.
7.3 Court Action for Nonpayment
MER Notary Services reserves the right to pursue payment-related disputes in Virginia courts, including collection of unpaid invoices, chargebacks, and associated costs.
8. Limitation of Liability
MER Notary Services is not responsible for:
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Rejection of notarized documents by third parties
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Errors caused by incomplete or incorrect client documents
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Client-side technical failures
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Indirect or consequential damages
Liability is limited to the amount paid for the specific notarization session in dispute.
9. Confidentiality and Recordkeeping
All notarizations are conducted in compliance with Virginia law and platform security standards.
Audio-visual recordings, identity verification logs, and electronic journals are securely maintained for the required retention period and released only upon lawful request.
10. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
11. Integration Clause
These Terms & Conditions and the Cancelation & Refund Policy together represent the full agreement between MER Notary Services and the client.
In the event of a conflict, the policy governing the specific service or transaction will control.
No changes to these Terms are valid unless made in writing.