What is one of the fundamental duties of a Notary Public when performing notarizations?

One of the fundamental duties of a Notary Public when performing notarizations is to ensure the signer is competent to sign. This involves verifying that the individual is of sound mind and understands the consequences of their actions at the time of signing. Competency is crucial because it helps prevent fraud and protects all parties involved; if a signer is not competent, any agreement or contract they enter into may be deemed invalid.

The importance of assessing competency underscores the Notary's role as an impartial witness to the signing process rather than a party to the agreement or a legal advisor. This responsibility is aligned with the Notary's commitment to uphold the integrity of the notarization process, ensuring that the transaction is conducted fairly and responsibly. This duty is a core component of the ethical standards expected from Notaries, ensuring public confidence in notarized documents.