Florida Notary Practice Exam

When a signer does not comprehend a document, how should a notary proceed?

1. Explain the document details

2. Encourage them to seek legal advice

3. Ask if they want to proceed regardless

4. Read the document aloud

The correct answer is: Encourage them to seek legal advice

When a signer does not comprehend a document, the appropriate response for a notary is to encourage them to seek legal advice. This approach is grounded in the notary's role, which is primarily to serve as an impartial witness to the signing process and to ensure that the signer understands the act of signing. If a signer lacks comprehension of a document, the notary must recognize the limitations of their duties. Notaries are not authorized to explain or interpret the contents of documents, as doing so could lead to potential biases or misinterpretations. Instead, guiding the signer to seek legal advice helps ensure that they receive proper assistance from a qualified professional who can address their concerns and clarify the terms of the document. While the other options involve attempts to assist the signer, they run the risk of overstepping the notary's boundaries. For example, explaining document details or reading the document aloud could be viewed as providing legal assistance, which is not permitted as notaries must remain neutral and cannot offer advice on the content. Additionally, asking if they want to proceed regardless of their understanding may lead to an unethical situation where the signer might be pressured into signing something they do not fully grasp. Encouraging the signer to seek legal advice ensures that they