What might a notary document in case their decision to decline a request is questioned?

The best course of action for a notary, when faced with the possibility of their decision to decline a request being questioned, is to document the circumstances surrounding the refusal. This documentation serves as a critical record that explains the reasoning behind the notary's decision.

In situations where a notary may refuse to perform a notarization, such as when there is doubt regarding the individual’s identity, understanding, or if the document appears to be fraudulent or incomplete, having a detailed account of these circumstances can provide clarity and protection for the notary. This not only helps in maintaining professionalism but also serves as a defense if their actions come under scrutiny, ensuring that the notary can justify their decision based on objective criteria rather than subjective judgments.

Maintaining signed records of completed notarizations or documenting personal feelings about the document does not address the specific need to clarify the reasons for a refusal and could present issues of relevance and professionalism. Similarly, profits earned from notarizations have no bearing on the decision-making process surrounding a refusal, making them irrelevant in this context. Thus, documenting the circumstances surrounding the refusal is essential for transparency and protection in the notary's practice.