Illinois Notary Primer Practice Exam

What action should a notary take if they suspect a signer is being coerced?

1. Proceed with the notarization to avoid conflict

2. Refuse to notarize until the signer is alone

3. Call authorities immediately

4. Request documentation of the coercion

The correct answer is: Refuse to notarize until the signer is alone

When a notary suspects that a signer is being coerced, the appropriate action is to refuse to notarize the document until the signer is alone. This is essential because the notary's primary responsibility is to ensure that the signer is acting voluntarily and without undue influence. Coercion undermines the integrity of the notarization process, as it can lead to questions regarding the authenticity of the signature and the signer’s consent. By waiting until the signer is alone, the notary provides an opportunity for the signer to affirm their willingness to proceed without outside pressure. This approach upholds the ethical standards of the notary profession and protects the rights of the signer. It is critical for notaries to maintain an unbiased and neutral stance, and ensuring that a signer can communicate freely and privately is a fundamental part of that responsibility. Simply proceeding with the notarization or calling authorities without first confirming the signer’s state could compromise the situation further. Requesting documentation of the coercion may not be feasible or appropriate, as it places additional burden on the signer rather than addressing the immediate concern about their ability to provide consent freely.