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Practice question re when client doesn't speak
It depends on the translator--often the family picks the smartest person
they know to help them or a trusted family member. I talk with the
translator to be sure they understand what I am explaining. Sometimes I
have to prompt the translator by saying "tell them what I just said" or
"Ask if they have any questions." My husband who speaks Spanish will
sometimes help. But since this isn't Kansas we get a wide variety of
non-English speakers, and if they will bring a translator you can do a
Chapter 7 easily. If I anticipate litigation and/or think there has been
fraud of some kind I pass those cases on to whoever speaks that language.
Altho once I had a case where 3 18 wheelers disappeared, GM was suing and
when I said I wouldn't handle that case, suddenly the client spoke English.
(a miracle)
Margaret Norman, Attorney
111 N. Sepulveda Blvd. #355
Manhattan Beach, Ca. 90266
310-376-7873
Fax-310-798-9846
WWW:Margeslaw.com
On Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:06:37 -0800 (PST)
Dennis McGoldrick wrote:
> Holly, most of the time my Clients who speak English don't really
> understand. You will know if they uunderstand enough to sign.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Dec 12, 2009, at 9:13 PM, "Holly Roark"
>wrote:
>
>> I have had a couple situations where the adult child of the
>> potential client does all the talking because the debtor does not
>> speak English and I don't speak the language of the debtor. I have
>> not accepted such a case yet. Should I not take these cases? Would I
>>
>> be violating any duties as a lawyer since there really is no way for
>>
>> me to be certain that the debtor understands what's going on, and I
>>
>> would have to just assume that the adult child is translating
>> correctly?
>>
>> Do you take these types of cases? What do you do to protect yourself
>>
>> and make sure you are doing what the client wants?
>>
>> Holly Roark
>> holly@roarklawoffices.com
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
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