What does "informed consent" mean in notary terms?

In notary terms, "informed consent" refers to the understanding and affirmation by signers of the terms of a document and their intent to sign it. This concept is crucial because it ensures that individuals entering into a legal agreement are doing so willingly and with full knowledge of what they are agreeing to.

The notary's role is to confirm that the signers are competent and understand the implications of the documents they are signing. This process is vital in maintaining the integrity of the notarization, as it helps to prevent fraud and ensures that documents are executed based on the signer's free will. When signers understand the terms and affirm their intentions, it enhances the validity of the notarized document and protects the rights of all parties involved.