Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of a Notary Public?

A Notary Public has specific responsibilities outlined by law, primarily focusing on the act of witnessing signatures and verifying identities to prevent fraud. Advising individuals on legal document preparations falls outside the scope of a Notary's duties. This role is intended to be neutral, ensuring that all parties are aware of their documents while refraining from providing legal advice or assistance in document preparation.

Verifying the identity of signers is a crucial responsibility, as it ensures that the right individuals are entering into agreements. Maintaining a journal of notarial acts is also mandatory, as it provides a record of all notarial transactions, which is important for accountability and legal purposes. Witnessing signatures is fundamental to the notarial process, as it confirms that the signers are indeed present and agree to the contents of the document.

In summary, while a Notary Public plays vital roles in ensuring the integrity of signatures and document validity, offering legal advice or assistance with document preparation is not part of their official responsibilities.