I had a very strange customer right now. As some of you may know, I run a translation business. A customer called, and wanted to _urgently_ make a will in his native language, and have it urgently translated and notarized (we provide notarial services as well).
I explained that as a notary I highly recommend he talk to a qualified lawyer. At the same time, if the client insists, it is the notary's duty to perform the notarization - you are not allowed to deny service.
The guy insisted, that he wants it done today, and that a good friend of his loaned him a large sum of money (19k), and literally saved him. He wants to make a will with an option of giving him cash for his good actions in the event of a fatal accident . He wanted to give his friend $20k. This 'fatal accident' theme comes up at least four times during the phone talk.
I said: OK, come on over, bring your will, we'll do it. In the meanwhile I researched CA law, and found a statutory will online, which has an exact option the guy wants. It does not need translation, and does not need notarization either - just 2 witnesses, otherwise it's invalid.
The guy comes over in the most beat-up van I've ever seen. He looks agitated, sad, and lost at the same time. I explain everything to him, handle him the form, and wish him good luck. The guy fills it out the form right in front of me, and changes the will sum to $30k. Then he thanks me for the service, for not charging me for anything, handles me the CD 'Creation vs Evolution', and leaves.
It then dawns on me that he may be under sect control, will commit suicide by running a car into the wall, and have the money go towards the sect. I have no doubt he'll find two friends from the sect to sign it.
What should I do? I have his cell # and his name.
I explained that as a notary I highly recommend he talk to a qualified lawyer. At the same time, if the client insists, it is the notary's duty to perform the notarization - you are not allowed to deny service.
The guy insisted, that he wants it done today, and that a good friend of his loaned him a large sum of money (19k), and literally saved him. He wants to make a will with an option of giving him cash for his good actions in the event of a fatal accident . He wanted to give his friend $20k. This 'fatal accident' theme comes up at least four times during the phone talk.
I said: OK, come on over, bring your will, we'll do it. In the meanwhile I researched CA law, and found a statutory will online, which has an exact option the guy wants. It does not need translation, and does not need notarization either - just 2 witnesses, otherwise it's invalid.
The guy comes over in the most beat-up van I've ever seen. He looks agitated, sad, and lost at the same time. I explain everything to him, handle him the form, and wish him good luck. The guy fills it out the form right in front of me, and changes the will sum to $30k. Then he thanks me for the service, for not charging me for anything, handles me the CD 'Creation vs Evolution', and leaves.
It then dawns on me that he may be under sect control, will commit suicide by running a car into the wall, and have the money go towards the sect. I have no doubt he'll find two friends from the sect to sign it.
What should I do? I have his cell # and his name.
Facebook
Twitter