What should a notary do if they suspect coercion when a document is being signed?

When a notary suspects coercion during the signing of a document, the appropriate action is to refuse to provide notary services. This is because the integrity of the notarization process is based on the principle that the signer must act freely and voluntarily. If there are indications that the signer is being pressured or manipulated into signing, the notary's primary responsibility is to ensure that the individual is signing of their own free will.

Notarization serves to verify the identity of the signer and affirm that they understood the document and signed it willingly. If coercion is suspected, proceeding with the notarization could invalidate the process and expose the notary to legal liability. Therefore, it is crucial for the notary to uphold these ethical standards, which protect both the signer and the integrity of the notarial act itself. Seeking legal advice or asking for further identification does not directly address the issue of coercion and would not resolve the matter adequately.