Bulletin: MU000055

Our offices frequently encounter Spanish-speaking parties that need to sign closing documents but appear less than fluent in the English language. If they have not brought an interpreter to assist them, then the attached  Acknowledgment of Opportunity to Obtain Interpreter form should be signed by the parties. By signing this document, the parties acknowledge that the documents are written in English and that the escrow officer's explanation will be in English. The parties also acknowledge that they have the opportunity to obtain an interpretation of the documents but decline to do so. Finally, the parties agree not to hold the escrow agent responsible for the parties' failure to understand the documents or the escrow agent's explanations and instructions. Please see the attached Exhibit (Acknowledgment of Opportunity to Obtain Interpreter).

If these parties bring their own interpreter to assist them, then the attached Interpreter Acknowledgment form should be signed by the parties and their interpreter.

This document has two parts. The top portion of the document is an acknowledgement by the parties that they have selected their own interpreter and that the escrow agent will have no responsibility for the parties' choice of an interpreter. This section should be signed by the parties to the transaction. The bottom portion of the document should be signed by the interpreter and acknowledges that the interpreter has translated the documents and the escrow agent's explanations. Please see the attached Exhibit (Interpreter Acknowledgment).

Please contact Derek Matthews if you have any questions concerning this or any other topic for which you need assistance.  For on-line viewing of this and other bulletins, log onto http://vuwriter.com.