What should a notary do to assist a signer who is unable to read due to a disability?

The appropriate action for a notary to take when assisting a signer who is unable to read due to a disability is to explain the document to the signer carefully. This ensures that the signer understands the content and implications of what they are signing, which is a crucial part of the notarial process. Notaries have an obligation to ensure that signers comprehend the document to confirm informed consent.

When a signer cannot read, it is essential for the notary to provide support by carefully explaining the key points of the document. This allows the signer to make an informed decision before signing, thus upholding the integrity of the notarization process.

While pointing to the signature line provides a minimal level of assistance, it does not address the underlying issue of the signer’s inability to understand the text of the document. Asking general questions about the document might not provide the signer with the specific information they need to grasp the content, which also fails to fulfill the notary’s duty to ensure understanding. Ignoring the situation entirely is inadequate and negligent, as it disregards the signer’s rights and the notary’s responsibilities.

Overall, it is essential for a notary to ensure that all signers, regardless of their ability to read, fully understand the documents they are