What should a Notary do if a signer shows signs of duress?

A Notary Public has a critical responsibility to ensure that all signers are acting voluntarily and without coercion when entering into agreements. If a signer displays signs of duress, such as appearing fearful, hesitant, or under pressure, the appropriate course of action is to refuse to proceed with the notarization. This decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of the signer, ensuring that they are not being forced into a transaction against their will.

By refusing to notarize in such circumstances, the Notary acts in accordance with ethical and legal obligations to uphold the integrity of the notarization process. This also protects the Notary from potential liability should the notarized document later be challenged due to questions regarding the signer's consent.

While calling law enforcement might be a justifiable action in extreme situations, it is not the immediate responsibility of a Notary in every instance of duress. Similarly, asking the signer to clarify their intentions could inadvertently exacerbate the situation if they are indeed under duress and unable to speak freely. The focus should be on ensuring the signer's safety and refusing to proceed with the notarization until their well-being is assured.