What does an acknowledgment signify in a notarial act?

An acknowledgment in a notarial act signifies that the individual has signed a record for the stated purpose. This means that the person making the acknowledgment is confirming that they are indeed the one who signed the document and that they understand and agree to its content and implications. The purpose of this act is to provide assurance to third parties that the signature is genuine, and the signer was acting voluntarily and without coercion at the time of signing.

In the context of notarial acts, this serves as an important mechanism for validating documents, as it creates a formal record that the notary can certify. Acknowledgments help reinforce the legality and enforceability of the document in question, establishing that the signatory was aware of their actions and the contents of what they were signing at the time of notarization.