What must a notary do if they determine a signer is not aware of the contents of the document?

A notary has a critical responsibility to ensure that the signer fully understands the contents of the document before proceeding with the notarization. If the notary determines that the signer is not aware of what the document entails, the most appropriate course of action is to refuse to notarize the document. Signing a document without comprehension can lead to serious legal issues, including claims of fraud or misrepresentation.

By refusing to notarize, the notary protects the integrity of the notarial process and ensures that the signer is making an informed decision. This upholds the ethical standards and legal obligations of the notarial profession. Proceeding with the notarization under circumstances where the signer does not understand the document could result in the notary facing legal repercussions or disciplinary action.

Ensuring that the signer understands the contents of the document is paramount, and the refusal to notarize in such cases is a protective measure for all parties involved.