Moving Office to Home

Margaret Rankin and Xena

My 38-year experience in my Notary Public practice in a formal business office saw legal assistants, numerous temporary local high-school-student staff members, and various Notary and law students flowing through the practice.

I am now ensconced in my home office and thoroughly enjoying working in my home.

My work day is more relaxed. I deal with my emails and telephone messages in the morning and my creative work on documentation and visiting with clients in the afternoons. I have the flexibility to make evening, weekend, and out-of-office appointments at other residences and hospitals when required and time allows.

The office must be fully equipped with a computer and photocopy equipment, as well as secure storage-space for files. We have been very fortunate to have all those aspects come together beautifully in our home.

Working from a home-office environment requires having easy access, good parking, safety precautions, and of course a business licence.

On cold Winter days, it was so comfortable to turn on the fireplace in my office and welcome clients into a cozy environment. My office is spacious, accessible to fresh air when needed, with no stairs or elevators to encumber people with physical disabilities, and clients can park right up to the front door.

It is very professional; the room is large enough for a couch to accommodate clients’ friends, care workers, personal assistants, and family members who may also come along for appointments. We take all the COVID safety precautions and have weathered all health storms to date. Clients are very cooperative in wearing masks and use the provided handsanitization at their discretion. I have never been disappointed with visitors accepting their own responsibility for the safety issues.

Fresh air and social distancing helps; clients consistently assume their personal responsibility and protection for everyone. When clients have concerns about being inside, we can sign documents outside.

Since moving into my home office, my Notary practice has changed. I now offer personal and estate-planning services, together with various other BC Notary duties. I no longer do real estate transactions or mortgages.

Discussions requiring detailed personal situations, family-life idiosyncrasies, and asset-holdings require a secure environment. When it is appropriately explained, my clients are aware that the detailed information is required to produce the documentation to meet their needs.

The process of reviewing personal information to create Wills, Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements, and Advance Directives is working very well in the restful home atmosphere. Added elements of relaxation can include the distant serenading of my husband playing the piano or the casual visit into the office of our Burmese cat Xena.

Last week a client brought her young granddaughter to the appointment because she wanted the girl to meet Xena. That was so special as we were dealing with the recent death of the client’s mother. Having family with her provided emotional support.

I hope to enjoy providing Notary services for years to come.

Now is the best time to consult your local Notary Public or lawyer to ensure your estate planning documents are in order. s BC Notary Margaret Rankin practises in North Vancouver, BC