When should a notary refuse to perform a notarization?

A notary should refuse to perform a notarization if they suspect the signer is under duress or coercion because the integrity of the notarization process relies on the voluntary participation of the signer. Notarization serves as a form of verification that the signer is acting of their own free will and is fully aware of the contents of the document they are signing. If there are indications that the signer is being pressured or forced to sign, the notary must prioritize the ethical and legal standards of their role. Allowing a notarization to occur under such circumstances would compromise the validity of the notarization itself and potentially lead to legal issues.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios where a notary could still conduct a notarization under appropriate conditions. A family member can be notarized as long as the notary is impartial and meets all other requirements. Lacking personal knowledge of the signer could be addressed through proper identification, allowing the notary to act. An unsigned document may warrant initial acknowledgment, but it could still be notarized once it is signed in the presence of the notary, provided all parties are clear on its contents. Therefore, the critical issue of duress or coercion stands out as a definitive reason for refusal.