In which situation must a notary NOT proceed with a notarization?

A notary must refrain from proceeding with a notarization when they feel uncomfortable with the situation. This is crucial because the integrity of the notarization process relies on the notary's impartiality, sound judgment, and ability to ensure that all parties involved are fully aware of the implications of their actions. If a notary feels uncomfortable, it may indicate potential issues such as concerns about fraud, coercion, or the signer's understanding of the document. Ensuring that all parties are in a comfortable and secure environment is key to maintaining ethical standards in notarization.

In contexts where a signer is unable to communicate effectively, legal jargon is present in the document, or clients are making unusual requests, a competent notary may still proceed with the notarization provided they can confirm the intent and understanding of the signer or if the unusual requests fall within the boundaries of legality and ethical practice. These scenarios may involve additional steps or considerations but do not inherently preclude the notary from proceeding as long as proper protocols are followed.