When should a notary exercise the highest degree of care?

A notary should exercise the highest degree of care in transactions involving real property because these transactions often carry significant legal and financial implications. The interest in real property is not only substantial but typically involves complex documentation and various parties. Errors or fraud in these situations can lead to severe consequences, including financial loss or legal disputes.

This heightened level of care ensures that all aspects of the notarization process, such as verifying identities, understanding the documents being signed, and confirming that all required parties are present, are thoroughly managed. In contrast, while other scenarios may require diligence, the stakes in real property transactions are particularly high, warranting the utmost attention and caution. Thus, it is crucial for notaries to be especially vigilant in these contexts to maintain the integrity of the transaction and to protect all parties involved.