Posted by Hugh Nations Signing Agents of Austin on 1/10/08 8:50pm
Msg #230095

What's in a name?

I do few general notarizations, maybe 30-40 a year, plus adoptions, which I do for free. But last week a young lady desperately needed a notary for some divorce documents, so I agreed to meet her at a local Burger King where her estranged husband worked.

The husband presented a current Texas driver’s license for ID. Unfortunately, the name on the license did not match the name on the divorce documents; “Hussein” had one “s” on the license, and two on the documents (names have been changed). I asked if he had other ID.

He presented a green card – expired. Further, the name on the card had an extra syllable tossed in for his middle name. I once again asked if he had other ID.

He presented a third ID, this one with his picture stapled to it. It was a parolee ID card from Houston. His surname on the divorce documents was “LuSher.” The surname on the parolee card was “LuHser.” I asked him how he spelled his last name. “L-O-h-s-e-r,” he replied.

Before I left, after holstering my unused stamp, I thought about suggesting that they might wish to consider reconciling; that seemed to be easier than determining what name they would be traveling under.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 1/10/08 9:40pm
Msg #230126

Thanks for the chuckle.

This reminds me that I need to do something about my own first name. I have always spelled my name with just one "L". I took great pains throughout school to make sure people got it right. When I requested a copy of my birth certificate lo and behold my name had two L's; not one. For my notary work/business I'm Michelle. Everything else, I'm Michele. Spelling my name correctly used to mean so much to me. Nowadays I could care less. However, I figure if I don't straighten it out soon, it's going to pose a problem at a time when it's least desirable (and of course, I'll blame my mother). I hope this isn't a $200+ fix. .