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

When a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document. This approach is based on the core duties of a notary, which include ensuring that the signer is acting freely and voluntarily. If a notary has reason to believe that the signer is not doing so, proceeding with the notarization would compromise the integrity of the notarial act and could facilitate fraud or unlawful activity.

By refusing to notarize, the notary acts in accordance with their ethical obligations and legal responsibilities. It is vital for notaries to ensure that all signers are making informed decisions without undue pressure or manipulation. This refusal upholds the standards of the notarial profession and protects not only the rights of the signer but also the legal validity of the notarial act itself.

In contrast, other options such as contacting law enforcement may be appropriate under specific circumstances, but they are not the immediate action a notary is expected to take upon suspecting coercion. Allowing a witness to sign might not address the underlying issue of coercion either. Overall, refusing to notarize is the most straightforward and effective way to respond to the situation.