What should a notary do if they suspect that a signer is being coerced?

If a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document. The integrity of the notarization process relies on the signer's voluntary and informed consent. If there are indications of coercion, the notary has a responsibility to protect both the signer and the public. Notarizing a document under such circumstances would violate the principles of impartiality and could lead to legal and ethical ramifications for the notary.

In situations where coercion is suspected, it is crucial for the notary to ensure that the signer is acting of their own free will. This refusal to notarize not only safeguards the notary's professional integrity but also helps prevent potential fraud or undue influence related to the document being notarized. The standards governing notarial practices emphasize the importance of a signer's voluntary action, thereby reinforcing that any doubt about coercion necessitates a refusal to proceed.