If a notary's client insists on reading an entire four-page document aloud, what should the notary do?

If a notary's client insists on reading an entire four-page document aloud, what should the notary do?

• A. Agree to read it word for word despite legal requirements
• B. Advise the client that only a visual scan is necessary
• C. Refuse to notarize without having read it thoroughly
• D. Ask the client to summarize the document

Answer: (B)

The correct choice is to advise the client that only a visual scan is necessary. Notaries are not responsible for ensuring that the content of a document is fully understood by the signer, nor are they required to read the document aloud for the client. The role of a notary is to verify the identity of the signer, confirm their willingness to sign, and acknowledge that they understand what they are signing. Encouraging a visual scan emphasizes the importance of the client's responsibility to read and comprehend the document themselves, ensuring they are fully informed before signing. This approach maintains the notary's role without shifting the burden of understanding the document's content onto them. The other options involve actions that either exceed the notary's responsibilities or do not appropriately maintain the balance of duties expected from the parties involved in the notarization process. Therefore, advising the client on the necessity of a visual scan aligns with professional notary practices and legal requirements.

The correct choice is to advise the client that only a visual scan is necessary. Notaries are not responsible for ensuring that the content of a document is fully understood by the signer, nor are they required to read the document aloud for the client. The role of a notary is to verify the identity of the signer, confirm their willingness to sign, and acknowledge that they understand what they are signing.

Encouraging a visual scan emphasizes the importance of the client's responsibility to read and comprehend the document themselves, ensuring they are fully informed before signing. This approach maintains the notary's role without shifting the burden of understanding the document's content onto them.

The other options involve actions that either exceed the notary's responsibilities or do not appropriately maintain the balance of duties expected from the parties involved in the notarization process. Therefore, advising the client on the necessity of a visual scan aligns with professional notary practices and legal requirements.