What note should be added to the notarial certificate if the notary reads the document to the signer?

Including the note "I certify that I read the document to the signer prior to notarization" in the notarial certificate is essential because it provides a clear record of the actions taken by the notary during the notarization process. This statement serves to verify that the notary fulfilled a duty of care by ensuring the signer understood the contents of the document before proceeding. It highlights the notary's role in promoting transparency and clarity, which is a critical aspect of the notarization process.

This note helps to reinforce the integrity of the notarization, as it reflects that the notary physically assisted the signer by reading the document aloud, which can be particularly important in cases where the signer may have difficulty reading or comprehending the document due to language barriers or other limitations. By documenting this action, the notary demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices and reminds all parties involved that the signer was made aware of what they were signing, potentially safeguarding against disputes over the signer's understanding and intent.