What should notaries prioritize during the notarization process?

Notaries should prioritize the accuracy and legality of the documents during the notarization process because their primary role is to ensure that the documents being notarized meet all legal requirements and are executed properly. This involves verifying the identity of the signer, ensuring that they are signing willingly and under no undue influence, and confirming that the document is complete and conforms to legal standards.

By focusing on accuracy, notaries help uphold the integrity of the notarization, which is crucial for preventing fraud and ensuring that the documents hold up in legal contexts. The notarial seal and signature serve as a form of assurance that the notary has thoroughly reviewed the document and the signing process, thus instilling confidence in the validity of the transaction or agreement being executed.

Moreover, while considerations like efficiency, the emotional state of the signer, and the length of the session can be important in practice, they do not take precedence over the need to ensure that all legal criteria are consistently met, as failure to do so could compromise the document's legality or lead to potential legal issues in the future.