Florida Notary Practice Exam

What should a Notary do if they suspect a signer is being coerced?

1. Complete the notarization to avoid conflict

2. Immediately contact law enforcement

3. Refuse to perform the notarization

4. Consult with a legal advisor

The correct answer is: Refuse to perform the notarization

When a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced, the most appropriate course of action is to refuse to perform the notarization. A notary's primary responsibility is to ensure that the signing process is conducted freely and voluntarily. If there are indications that a signer is under duress or pressure, proceeding with the notarization would compromise the integrity of the notarial act and could potentially lead to legal issues or fraud. Refusing the notarization protects both the notary’s duties and the interests of the signer. A notary must ensure that all parties consent to the act without any undue influence and that they understand the document they are signing. By not proceeding in a situation where coercion is suspected, the notary upholds ethical standards and the law. This action also helps to maintain public trust in the notarial process. While other answers suggest contacting law enforcement or seeking legal advice, these might be appropriate in different contexts but do not address the immediate responsibility of the notary in refusing to notarize under suspicion of coercion. Completing the notarization to avoid conflict not only jeopardizes the validity of the document but could also expose the notary to liability. Thus, the most sound approach is to refuse the notarization in any situation where