Faq

1.  How Do I Get Started?

It's easy! We start with a FREE virtual discovery consultation where we’ll discuss your needs and identify how we can support you best. Most times we’re a fit, sometimes we’re not. We’ll provide you with all the information needed to make an informed decision.  All other meetings and phone calls are billed at the hourly rate of $45 and rounded up to the nearest minute. 

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2.  How do I know I need a Virtual Assistant?

We naturally advocate for leveraging VAs for most situations. However, there are simple signs that a Virtual Assistant will alleviate pressure off your workload. When you experience more stress, reduced free time, and you're working 12 - 16-hour days, then it might be time to hire a VA. If you are not picking up new projects and initiatives (like starting social media marketing), simply due to time constraints, then you need to start considering hiring a Virtual Assistant.  Non-revenue generating activities are often appropriate to delegate to a Virtual Assistant.

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3.  What are the advantages of a Virtual Assistant vs. a regular employee?

Usually, an in-house employee commands a salary and requires an overhead cost of an office infrastructure that includes rent of a commercial space, furnished and operational office (cubicle, computer, Internet, printer, etc.), office security, and so much more. Whereas hiring a Virtual Assistant eliminates the overhead costs. In addition, since we’re a U.S.-based company we have a US tax ID. Services rendered through ALJ Business & Notary Services usually fall into a business expense category and can be written off with Form 1099. More information is available during our onboarding process.

 

4. Do I have to sign a contract for Virtual Assistant services?

Yes, but nothing long-term. Our virtual assistant services are on a month-to-month basis, and you can cancel at any time. We do recommend that you use all your hours and give us a 30-day notice prior to ending the contract, as once the plan is purchased there are no refunds on unused hours.

 

5.  What happens if I don’t use all my hours in a month?

We're pros at what we do and will help you choose the plan that's right for you. That may mean starting small in the beginning and adding hours as needed. Our experience has been that people need more hours, not less!

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6. Will sensitive information and data be kept confidential?

All information and data will be treated in the strictest of confidence. If required by the client, we would be happy to sign a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement as deemed necessary by the client and appropriate by ALJ Business & Notary Services.

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7.  What is Notarization?

Notarization is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic and can be trusted. It is a three-part process, performed by a Notary Public that includes vetting, certifying and record-keeping.

 

Notarizations are sometimes referred to as "notarial acts". Above all, notarization is the assurance by a duly appointed and impartial Notary Public that a document is authentic that its signature is genuine, and that its signer acted without duress or intimidation, and intended the terms of the document to be in full force and effect.

 

8.  Can a Notary refuse to serve people?

Only if the Notary is uncertain of a signer’s identity, willingness, or general competence, or has a good reason to suspect fraud. Notaries should not refuse to serve anyone because of race, religion, nationality, lifestyle, or because the person is not a client or customer. Discrimination on any basis is not a suitable policy for a public official.

 

9.  Can a Notary give legal advice or draft legal documents?

Absolutely not. A Notary is forbidden from preparing legal documents for others or acting as a legal advisor unless he or she is also an attorney. Violators can be fined or jailed for the unauthorized practice of law.

 

10.  Can any document be notarized?

For a document to be notarized, it must contain: 1) text committing the signer in some way, 2) an original signature (not a photocopy) of the document signer, 3) a notarial “certificate” which may appear on the document itself or on an attachment. The Notary fills in the certificate, signs it, then applies his or her seal to complete the notarization.

 

11.  Do you offer additional services that are not listed on your website? 

Yes. Please contact us directly with your specific needs. 

 

12.  What are your payment options? 

Invoices can be paid via wire transfer to our bank account, funds transfer through PayPal, and credit cards.