What should a Notary Public do if they suspect a signer is not acting of their own free will?

What should a Notary Public do if they suspect a signer is not acting of their own free will?

• A. Proceed with the notarization
• B. Refuse to notarize
• C. Consult with legal counsel
• D. Ask the signer to provide additional identification

Answer: (B)

A Notary Public has a critical responsibility to ensure that the signer is entering into the transaction voluntarily and without any coercion or undue influence. If a Notary suspects that a signer is not acting of their own free will, the appropriate course of action is to refuse to notarize the document. This is essential because notarization serves to verify the identity and willingness of the signer. Proceeding with the notarization despite doubts about the signer's free will could lead to legal implications and undermine the integrity of the notarial act. By refusing to notarize, the Notary protects the integrity of the process and ensures that individuals are not being manipulated into signing documents under duress. This decision aligns with the ethical and legal obligations of a Notary Public, as well as the principles of safeguarding the rights of individuals involved in the transaction. While consulting with legal counsel or requesting additional identification may have their uses, they do not directly address the immediate concern of the signer's voluntary intent.

A Notary Public has a critical responsibility to ensure that the signer is entering into the transaction voluntarily and without any coercion or undue influence. If a Notary suspects that a signer is not acting of their own free will, the appropriate course of action is to refuse to notarize the document. This is essential because notarization serves to verify the identity and willingness of the signer. Proceeding with the notarization despite doubts about the signer's free will could lead to legal implications and undermine the integrity of the notarial act.

By refusing to notarize, the Notary protects the integrity of the process and ensures that individuals are not being manipulated into signing documents under duress. This decision aligns with the ethical and legal obligations of a Notary Public, as well as the principles of safeguarding the rights of individuals involved in the transaction. While consulting with legal counsel or requesting additional identification may have their uses, they do not directly address the immediate concern of the signer's voluntary intent.