What does a complete notarial certificate confirm?

A complete notarial certificate serves as an official statement from the notary public that confirms the signer has willingly signed the document. This aspect is crucial because part of a notary’s role is to ensure that the individual signing the document does so without any form of coercion or duress. The notary confirms the identity of the signer, observes the signing process, and verifies that the signer understands the content of the document.

This action protects the integrity of the document and ensures that the transaction is legitimate. By confirming the voluntary nature of the signature, the notarial certificate helps to prevent fraud and ensures that the document will be treated with the necessary legal standing. Other choices suggest responsibilities or circumstances that are not directly related to the purpose of the notarial certificate itself, such as financial arrangements or legal reviews which fall outside the scope of the notary's duties.