What should a notary always ensure about individuals appearing before them?

A notary public has a fundamental responsibility to ensure that individuals appearing before them understand the contents of the document they are signing. This requirement is crucial because it safeguards against fraud and ensures that the individuals are entering into agreements or acknowledging signatures with full awareness of the implications of their actions.

When a notary verifies that a signer comprehends what they are signing, it promotes informed consent. This is vital, especially in legal and financial documents where the implications may later impact the involved parties significantly. Ensuring comprehension can help prevent future disputes that could arise from a signer's lack of understanding of the document’s terms and conditions.

In contrast, while being a party to the document is important, understanding it is even more critical in terms of legal validity and ethics. Familiarity with the signers, such as knowing them as friends or family, does not replace the need for them to understand the documents involved. Additionally, ensuring that individuals are in a hurry may compromise the notary's obligation to thoroughly verify understanding and provide proper service, undermining the integrity of the notarization process.