Why is it important for a notary to assess for evidence of coercion?

A notary's role is to protect the integrity of the notarization process, which is fundamentally about ensuring that signers are entering into agreements willingly and without undue influence. Assessing for evidence of coercion is a vital part of this responsibility. If a signer is being pressured or forced into signing a document, it undermines the authenticity of the notarization and can lead to legal issues later on. By confirming that a signer is acting of their own free will, a notary helps ensure that the documents they notarize are legitimate, which in turn helps to maintain the public’s trust in the notarial process. This duty not only protects the individuals involved but also upholds the integrity of legal documents and transactions, thereby contributing to the overall credibility of the notary profession.