We (a caregiver and myself) packed up my quadrilplegic husband to go get some papers notarized. I had called this UPS Store and he said to come on in...no appointment. When we got there I told him what type of papers they were and that the acknowledgements were attached. #1 he actually flipped through the papers scanning and reading - I don't know why. I told him that we had identification and that my husband would need a little help. He then told me that we couldn't help my husband sign. My husband is paralyzed. He signs with a mark which is addressed on page 17 of the 2011 California Notary Handbook. NOWHERE in there does it say that you cannot help a disabled person. NOWHERE! My husband had two witnesses, and two valid forms if ID (a California ID and a Retired Military ID). A notary uses the ID and the witnesses to notarize a signature or mark proving that the person is who they say they are. It doesn't matter what kinds of papers they are. This owner was told what they were. A notary is notarizing the signature or mark. This guy summarily disrespected us, discriminated against my husband and says he's been doing this for 30 years. We will never go back into his store and are encouraging others to not go there or to at least be aware so they are not disrespected, discriminated and stereotyped too. To often people use their own personal opinion to make decisions for others. This owner has access to written instructions in order to perform his services. He CHOSE to use his own biases to turn us away - A paralyzed disabled veteran, his wife and his caregiver. We were not asking for favors - we just expected an honest business transaction. The owner told me that I should have known I couldn't help my husband make his mark. I've been helping my husband and other disabled people for 10 years. This owner says he has been doing business this way for over 30. Maybe this poor owner needs help as well! He certainly needs another notary class.
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