If a Notary is unsure about the willingness of a signer, what should they do?

When a Notary is unsure about the willingness of a signer, the most appropriate action is to refuse the notarization. The primary duty of a Notary Public is to ensure that all signers are acting of their own free will and are not being coerced or pressured into signing documents. If there is any doubt regarding the signer's willingness, proceeding with the notarization could result in legal ramifications for both the Notary and the parties involved, especially if it can later be proven that the signer was not willing.

This refusal not only protects the integrity of the notarization process but also upholds the ethical standards that Notaries must adhere to. If a signer seems unsure or reluctant, it is the Notary's responsibility to ensure that they fully understand the implications of the document they are signing and are not under any duress. A Notary who refuses to notarize under these circumstances is acting in accordance with their training and the law, prioritizing the well-being and rights of the signer.

The option to contact an agency for clarification may seem reasonable, but since the Notary must make a judgment call on the spot regarding the situation, it is more prudent to refuse the notarization if there are concerns. Asking for additional witnesses does not directly address