Ok, so I was super excited to have 4 signings booked for this Saturday! Then one signing got canceled and came in an email apologizing for the removal because the client asked for a Spanish speaking agent. No problem. I totally understand. Plus when I called to confirm I didn’t pronounce his name right:(. Oops…sorry. I need to learn to speak Spanish:)
Or, they need to learn English, our primary language her in the United States!
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Well said! 
What do you do if you show up and there is a couple and one only speaks Spanish. I would stop the signing but not sure that is the accurate thing to do. I cannot notarize a document if signer doesn’t understand what I am saying. What would you do?
U DO-NOT NEED TO LEARN SPANISH.
ALL DOCS ARE IN ENGLISH !! They can have a bilingual relative on standby.
IF someone is so obstinate to learn english after being in american for decades, and besides there are FREE ENGLISH classes available everywhere.
Use google translate app
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are you stating the other signer can translate for us ?
I’m perplexed by the insensitive and micro-aggression in this post. It’s easy to assume that world views and international exposures are extremely limited in this group.
As far as “they (Spanish speakers) have to learn English“ comment I would like to clarify that it’s not the issue of “learning/knowing English. The loan process requires a level of understanding and comprehension that might not feel comfortable for many non-English speakers. As a matter of fact, mortgages are life-commitments, they should never be taken lightly. Let me ask, would you be comfortable meeting with someone who “knew” and “understood” your needs (whether communication, food or transportation)? Would you not want to speak comfortably with someone who is at “your level” about your questions or concerns?
Second, is it not their right to have a notary that accommodate their unique needs? They are actually paying for this service. Quick fact, when or if you ever decide to travel to other countries, you must know that you will never master the language in months not even years. Hope this help sone of us in extending more grace to those who have more than one language.
Lastly, most Spanish speaking countries do not required/make you to speak their language, instead they make accommodations and create access to English resources. do, what’s wrong with wanting a Spanish speaking notary?
Let’s stop judging because our worldviews are different and our experiences are less diverse. This reminds me of the of phrase “ don’t judge me just because I sin differently” The analogy makes sense in the context of judgments or biases. Let me just clarify and clearly state that neither language or diversity are sins.
Ultimately, your goal as a notary is to:
- Provide quality of service to consumers (clients).
- Serve as an ambassador or “public” officer of your state ~ You’ve pledge to this value!
- Indirect reflection of a business relationship between you and your title agency (lender).
So some suggestions are:
- Ask client if he/she wants to proceed.
- Consult with your title/lender for guidelines.
- Check for potential conflicts or “Good Samaritan” standards.
- Use technology or resources if comfortable and acceptable under the circumstances (due-diligence priority).
A hope this posts brings perspective and more information and reduces the negativity, prejudice and implicit bias in the discussion.
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I totally understand and you’re right! Stay well!
I had a similar one recently where the signer had requested a Spanish speaking notary. I initially got the signing, but then I was removed from the order when the signing company realized their mistake. The signing company apparently had trouble scheduling a Spanish speaker to go out, so they re-scheduled me for it and told me to use Language Line - which I’ve used before to great effect.
When I went out, Language Line kept disconnecting. However, the signers actually spoke enough English to understand, so ultimately it was not really a problem. I simply explained everything clearly and made sure they understood. Their main concern was that in previous signings, they had been rushed through and felt that they did not have enough time to read over everything they were signing.
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I use the google translate app.
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Many spanish speakers from the land of conquistador’s imposed spanish owe their allegiance to spanish, while they refuse to integrate themselves to english. They consider the language imposed by these “gods who came in horses” to be their culture and never prospered in that land. and while they now prosper here, in the land of opportunity and money. While I don’t want to get into the debate of legal or illegal immigration, the fact is that they are working here, and after decades of hard work and gained some level of financial uplift to their lives and to the lives of their families back home.
So I definitely understand their limited views and obstinate reasons to NEVER speak spanish, but have lived and worked long enough and earn enough here in USA to qualify to a loan.
There is resentment to this attitude "Never English " , nothing else,
There is NO hate for the work or people.