Illiterate means a person can’t read and/or write. I know a very intelligent older man who can’t read, but can write—carries on meaningful conversations, and understands better than some highly educated people. Blind in one eye — he still has another eye. Again, I know totally blind friends who can maneuver better than me. Deaf with hearing aids — this tells me he has hearing loss, but not totally deaf.
As for determining mental capacity, I disagree that we are unqualified to determine a person’s mental capacity — maybe not from a medical doctor’s diagnosis, but we can determine if a person knows and understands and not being coerced into doing something. Send the family and friend out of the room and carry on a conversation with the person for 10-15 minutes. Ask questions and allow them to ask you questions. After a few minutes, repeat a question you’ve already asked and see if you get same response. Observe for confusion in their face and body language. Talk about docs they are going to sign and confirm that they understand what they will be signing, and if they are signing freely and willingly on their own. Good luck. Treat and respect them as you do any other signer. |
Messages in this Thread |
| I was just notified that an up-coming appointment is with - SC/CA on 5/18/19 1:13pm |
| Re: I was just notified that an up-coming appointment is with - Ken/NoCal on 5/18/19 2:29pm |
| The increased TIME this reading aloud will take! - Lee/AR on 5/18/19 2:46pm |
| Unless we NSAs are certified/trained/licensed/whatever ... - BearPaw/CO on 5/18/19 3:28pm |
| Re: Illiterate, blind, and deaf - Carolyn Bodley on 5/18/19 4:56pm |
| Re: Furthermore, illiteracy, blindness or deafness - Carolyn Bodley on 5/18/19 5:41pm |
| Re: Illiterate, blind, and deaf - SC/CA on 5/18/19 6:05pm |
| Re: Illiterate, blind, and deaf - Carolyn Bodley on 5/18/19 6:47pm |
| Re: Illiterate, blind, and deaf - BearPaw/CO on 5/18/19 7:47pm |
| Re: Illiterate, blind, and deaf - Carolyn Bodley on 5/18/19 8:48pm |
| Geez - BearPaw/CO on 5/18/19 9:11pm |
| Re: Geez - Carolyn Bodley on 5/18/19 9:53pm |
| In an attempt to research some guidelines ... - BearPaw/CO on 5/18/19 8:48pm |
| Re: In an attempt to research some guidelines ... - Carolyn Bodley on 5/18/19 9:41pm |
| Be rude if needed... - Signerbill on 5/19/19 9:57am |
| Re: I was just notified that an up-coming appointment is with - Art_FL on 5/20/19 8:49am |
| I love general notary work, but very discerning about - Cheryl Elliott on 5/20/19 11:23am |
| Re: I love general notary work, but very discerning about - VT_Syrup on 5/20/19 11:56am |
| Re: I was just notified that an up-coming appointment is with - NVLSlady/VA on 5/20/19 11:59am |