What must a notary do during the acknowledgment process?

During the acknowledgment process, it is essential for a notary to confirm the signer's identity, competency, and willingness to sign. This verification ensures that the signer is who they claim to be, is mentally fit to understand the significance of signing, and is doing so of their own free will without any coercion. These steps are crucial to upholding the integrity of the notarization process, as they help prevent fraud and protect the interests of all parties involved.

The other options do not align with the role of a notary. Providing legal advice is outside the scope of notarial duties, as notaries are not licensed to offer legal counsel. Preparing the document for filing is typically a responsibility of the parties involved or legal professionals, not the notary. While a notary may witness the signing, the acknowledgment process specifically focuses on confirming the signer's identity and voluntariness rather than requiring the presence of all parties involved in the signing.