TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT
Welcome to Choice Nationwide Notaries. You must agree to the following Terms and Conditions of this independent contractor agreement ("Agreement") before receiving mobile notary dispatch orders from Choice Nationwide Notaries, and before using the Choice Nationwide Notaries website ("Site"). By using our Services or indicating your agreement on the notary registration web page, you are agreeing to become bound by these terms of our Service. This is a legally binding agreement. If you do not agree with these terms, you should not use the Choice Nationwide Notaries website, you may not receive mobile notary dispatch orders from Choice Nationwide Notaries, you may not perform any work for Choice Nationwide Notaries ("Services"), and you should request termination of any account you may have with Choice Nationwide Notaries.
This Agreement constitutes the entire and only agreement between us and you, and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, representations, warranties and understandings with respect to the Site and the Services, the services provided by or through the Site or otherwise through Choice Nationwide Notaries, and the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended at any time from time to time by us without specific notice to you. The latest Agreement will be posted on the Site, and you should review this Agreement prior to using the Site.
1. Choice Nationwide Notaries Services. Choice Nationwide Notaries is a nation-wide traveling notary network. We are currently in 50 states and have well over 40,000 signers who provide fast, professional, and courteous service to homeowners in the process of financing properties.
2. Engagement. Choice Nationwide Notaries hereby engages you, and you hereby accept such engagement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, to perform mobile notary signing services on behalf of and for Choice Nationwide Notaries (the "Services").
3. Compensation.
a. In consideration of your performance of the Services as provided herein, Choice Nationwide Notaries agrees to pay you the amount specified and arranged at the time of accepting the order from Choice Nationwide Notaries.
b. Additional trips MUST be authorized by a Choice Nationwide Notaries representative, or you will not be compensated for such additional trip.
c. Choice Nationwide Notaries will pay you on a monthly basis, and you should keep record of all signings done each month. Choice’s payment terms are 30-days.
4. Expenses. Choice Nationwide Notaries shall not be responsible for any expenses you accrue in performing the Services. You shall be responsible for payment of all your business expenses, and all taxes and license fees assessed by any governmental unit in order for you to perform the Services hereunder, and you shall be responsible for payment of all dues to any professional organization of which you are a member.
5. Term and Termination.
a. This Agreement shall be effective and shall remain in full force and effect for a period of one (1) year, unless earlier terminated as provided herein. After the initial term, if the Agreement has not been terminated, the Agreement shall automatically renew for consecutive one-year terms.
b. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time with written notice to the other party. Furthermore, Choice Nationwide Notaries may terminate this Agreement at any time, for any reason or for no reason, by sending you notice of such termination.
d. Upon termination or expiration of your engagement with Choice Nationwide Notaries for any reason, you shall immediately return to the Choice Nationwide Notaries all documents, promotional materials, property and other records of Choice Nationwide Notaries, and all copies thereof, within your possession, custody or control.
6. Your Responsibilities and as a Notary for Choice Nationwide Notaries, and Your Warranties to Choice Nationwide Notaries.
a) You are responsible for the use of your account by anyone using your account. You are responsible for insuring that any user of your account fully complies with the Terms & Conditions of this Service.
b) You must be eighteen (18) years of age to use the service, and by agreeing to these terms and using there Service you hereby represent and warrant that you are at least eighteen years of age.
c) You hereby warrant that you are a certified notary under the state of where you will be performing signings, that comply with the minimum bond requirements of your state.
d) You must act and dress in a professional manner at all times. Unprofessional attire and attitude will not be tolerated, as quality control checks are often implemented. Unacceptable conduct and inadequate service may result in the termination of this Agreement.
e) You agree to act only as a notary under this Agreement and not to give legal advice to customers. You acknowledge that you are there only to "witness" the signatures of the signers.
f) You understand that Choice Nationwide Notaries is the only institution from which you will receive payment. All questions regarding your fees and invoicing are not to be directed to the customers (i.e. the borrowers, loan representatives, lenders, etc.).
g) You agree to make your appointments on the day required by the lender and follow Choice Nationwide Notaries's notary guidelines (our instructions as well as the rules that are included in every set of loan documents), which are incorporated herein by reference.
h) You are responsible for providing and maintaining all personal computer and communications equipment and Internet access accounts necessary to gain access to the Choice Nationwide Notaries website.
i) You agree to inform Choice Nationwide Notaries of any apparent breaches of security, such as loss, theft, or unauthorized disclosure or use of an I.D., or password. Until Choice Nationwide Notaries is notified, by electronic or conventional mail of a breach of security, you will remain liable for any unauthorized use of your Choice Nationwide Notaries account.
j) You agree to use Choice Nationwide Notaries Services in a manner consistent with any and all applicable laws and regulations. You also agree not to use the Service to violate any rule or regulation at any educational institution.
k) You acknowledge that under no circumstances will you upload any viruses, ActiveX or Java installers, or Internet Explorer Exploits onto the Site.
l) You hereby agree that you will not delegate your responsibilities under this agreement to another person, under any circumstances. This agreement is not assignable in any way.
m) If you violate the restrictions in these Terms & Conditions of Service, you agree to indemnify Choice Nationwide Notaries for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorneys fees incurred by Choice Nationwide Notaries and relating to, or arising out of such a breach. You, not Choice Nationwide Notaries, are responsible for your behavior on the Choice Nationwide Notaries website and at signings facilitated by Choice Nationwide Notaries.
n) YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT Choice Nationwide Notaries DOES NOT SCREEN CUSTOMERS IN ANY WAY. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT Choice Nationwide Notaries SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE SERVICES RENDERED TO CUSTOMERS THROUGH THE Choice Nationwide Notaries SERVICE.
4. Independent Contractor. You agree that you shall act as an independent contractor in the performance of your services hereunder. Nothing in this Agreement is intended nor shall it be construed to constitute you as a partner, employee or agent of Choice Nationwide Notaries or you being in a joint venture relationship with Choice Nationwide Notaries, and neither you nor Choice Nationwide Notaries shall have any authority whatsoever to bind the other in any manner. You warrant that you will not hold yourself out to be or represent to anyone that you are an employee of Choice Nationwide Notaries, or that your relationship to Choice Nationwide Notaries is other than that of an independent contractor. You agree to indemnify and hold Choice Nationwide Notaries harmless from any and all liability arising out of or with respect to any representation or promise made by you which bind Choice Nationwide Notaries or any agreement entered into by you on behalf of Choice Nationwide Notaries. You shall be and agree to be solely responsible for the payment or withholding of any and all income, employment, FICA, unemployment insurance, social security or other payroll taxes, state disability and any other payroll deductions required to be paid or withheld with respect to your compensation, as well as any insurance you may choose to carry. You acknowledge that as an independent contractor you are not entitled nor will Choice Nationwide Notaries make available to you any of the benefits afforded to employees of Choice Nationwide Notaries. You agree to indemnify and hold Choice Nationwide Notaries harmless from any and all liability arising out of or with respect to such payments, withholdings and benefits, if any. You hereby agree to maintain workman's compensation insurance in accordance with applicable state and federal laws when employing other employees. In addition, you shall maintain comprehensive general and vehicular insurance for claims of damages of bodily injury (including death) and property damage caused by or arising out of acts or omissions of your employees. You further understand the following:
a. That Choice Nationwide Notaries will provide no training to you whatsoever;
b. Choice Nationwide Notaries will not reimburse you for any expenses you incur in performing the Services;
c. You are free to perform notary tasks for others outside of your obligations to Choice Nationwide Notaries (i.e. there is no "exclusivity agreement" between you and Choice Nationwide Notaries); and
d. If you earn over $600 per year, or any future minimum amount dictated by the IRS, then Choice Nationwide Notaries will issue you a form 1099-MISC and report such income to the IRS.
5. Copyright & License. The content, HTML, Flash files, databases, web scripts, organization, graphics, design, compilation, magnetic translation, digital conversion and other matters related to the Site are protected under applicable copyrights, trademarks and other proprietary (including but not limited to intellectual property) rights. The copying, redistribution, use or publication by you of any such matters or any part of the Site is strictly prohibited. You do not acquire ownership rights to any content, document or other materials viewed through the Site.
7. Trademarks. "Choice Nationwide Notaries" and "Choice Nationwide Notaries" are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Choice Nationwide Notaries, Inc.
8. Indemnification. You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us and our partners, attorneys, staff and affiliates (collectively, "Affiliated Parties") harmless from any liability, loss, claim and expense, including reasonable attorneys' fees, related to your violation of this Agreement, your use of the Site, your performance of the Services, or the relationship between you and any customer or client of Choice Nationwide Notaries.
9. Nontransferable. Your right to perform the Services and use the Site is not transferable. Furthermore, any password or right given to you to obtain information or documents is not transferable.
10. Disclaimer and Limits. THE SITE AND INFORMATION FROM OR THROUGH THE SITE IS PROVIDED "AS IS," "IS AVAILABLE," AND ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE DISCLAIMED (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE DISCLAIMER OF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE). THE INFORMATION AND SERVICES PROVIDED THROUGH THE SITE MAY CONTAIN BUGS, ERRORS, PROBLEMS OR OTHER LIMITATIONS. WE AND OUR AFFILIATED PARTIES HAVE NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER FOR YOUR USE OF ANY INFORMATION OR SERVICE, OR LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOU AND CUSTOMERS OF Choice Nationwide Notaries. IN PARTICULAR, BUT NOT AS A LIMITATION THEREOF, WE AND OUR AFFILIATED PARTIES ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PROFITS, LITIGATION, OR THE LIKE), WHETHER BASED ON BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), PRODUCT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE NEGATION OF DAMAGES SET FORTH ABOVE IS A FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE BASIS OF THE BARGAIN BETWEEN US AND YOU. THIS SITE, SERVICES AND THE INFORMATION WOULD NOT BE PROVIDED WITHOUT SUCH LIMITATIONS. NO ADVICE OR INFORMATION, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, OBTAINED BY YOU FROM US THROUGH THE SITE SHALL CREATE ANY WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION OR GUARANTEE NOT EXPRESSLY STATED IN THIS AGREEMENT.
ALL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY VIRUSES CONTAINED WITHIN THE ELECTRONIC FILE CONTAINING THE Choice Nationwide Notaries FORMS OR DOCUMENTS ARE DISCLAIMED. WE WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND THAT MAY RESULT FROM USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE OUR SITE. OUR MAXIMUM LIABILITY TO YOU UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE EQUAL TO THE AGGREGATE FEES THAT Choice Nationwide Notaries HAS PAID YOU FOR YOUR SERVICES OVER THE COURSE OF THE TERM.
11. Privacy Policy. Our Privacy Policy, as it may change from time to time, is a part of this Agreement.
12. Miscellaneous. This Agreement shall be treated as though it were executed and performed in San Francisco, California, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California (without regard to conflict of law principles). Any cause of action by you with respect to the Site or the Services (and/or any information, products or services related thereto) must be instituted within one (1) year after the cause of action arose or be forever waived and barred. All actions shall be subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10. The language in this Agreement shall be interpreted as in accordance with its fair meaning and not strictly for or against either party.
If any controversy or dispute arising from or relating to this Agreement, the Site or the Services, even if arising after termination of this Agreement, cannot be resolved through mutual agreement, the sole means of resolving the controversy will be binding arbitration under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") in San Francisco, California, in accordance with the AAA's then-existing Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration award may be enforced as a judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. This arbitration provision will apply to all disputes between you and Choice Nationwide Notaries, and will survive termination of our relationship and this Agreement. You acknowledge that you understand the consequences of agreeing to binding arbitration, including that you are giving up any and all constitutional and statutory rights to have disputes between us determined by a court of law or equity or by a jury; that discovery of information in arbitration may be limited; and that the arbitration decision will be final and binding, except to the limited extent that law provides for judicial review of arbitration proceedings and decisions. If for any reason this foregoing mandatory arbitration provision is invalid or unenforceable, then all legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be brought solely in San Francisco, California. You expressly submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of said courts and consent to extraterritorial service of process.
Should any part of this overall Agreement be held invalid or unenforceable, that portion shall be construed consistent with applicable law and the remaining portions shall remain in full force and effect. To the extent that anything in or associated with the Site is in conflict or inconsistent with this Agreement, this Agreement shall take precedence. Our failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of such provision nor of the right to enforce such provision.