What action should a notary take if signs of awareness competency are lacking in an elderly signer?

In a situation where there are signs of lacking awareness or competency from an elderly signer, the most appropriate action for a notary to take is to decline to notarize the document. Notaries have a responsibility to ensure that the signer is fully aware of the contents and implications of the document they are signing. If the notary observes confusion or signs that the signer does not understand what they are doing, it may indicate that the signer is not in a proper state of mind to consent to the notarization.

By declining to notarize, the notary protects both the integrity of the notarization process and the interests of the signer. This decision is founded on ethical considerations and legal obligations, as notarizations that occur under questionable circumstances can lead to future disputes or challenges regarding the validity of the document. A notary should always prioritize the signer’s competency and ensure they are acting in their own best interests. In this case, the other options do not adequately address the notary's duty to ensure the signer is competent and aware, which reinforces the importance of taking the necessary precautions by declining to proceed.