What is the purpose of a "certificate of acknowledgment" in notarial practice?

The purpose of a "certificate of acknowledgment" is to confirm a signer’s identity and willingness to sign a document. This certificate acts as a formal declaration by the notary that the signer personally appeared before them and acknowledged that they signed the document voluntarily and for the intended purpose. This is an essential function in notarial practice as it provides legal assurance that the parties involved are indeed who they claim to be and that they are entering into an agreement without coercion or duress.

This acknowledgment is critical in protecting the integrity of the document and serves as evidence in case of any disputes or challenges regarding the authenticity or these parties' intentions in the future. It distinguishes signed documents that are officially recognized from those that may be forged or signed under pressure, enhancing the reliability of the notarial process.