AK Notary Ethical Standards and Conduct Flashcards

What is the primary ethical duty of an Alaska notary public?

Answer: To serve as an impartial witness and prevent fraud

A notary's primary duty is to act as an impartial witness and deter fraud in the signing of documents.

May an Alaska notary notarize a document in which they have a direct financial interest?

Answer: No, this is a conflict of interest that should be avoided

Notarizing documents in which the notary has a direct financial interest is a conflict of interest and should be avoided to preserve impartiality.

An Alaska notary is asked by their employer to notarize a document they know is fraudulent. What should they do?

Answer: Refuse to notarize the document

A notary must refuse to participate in fraud regardless of employer pressure; notarizing a fraudulent document is a violation of law and ethics.

Can an Alaska notary provide legal advice to a signer about a document's contents?

Answer: No, unless the notary is also a licensed attorney

Providing legal advice constitutes the unauthorized practice of law unless the notary is also a licensed attorney.

What should an Alaska notary do if a signer appears to be under duress or coerced?

Answer: Refuse to complete the notarization

If a signer appears coerced, the notary should refuse the notarization because voluntary consent is a fundamental requirement.

Is it proper for an Alaska notary to certify that a document is 'true and correct'?

Answer: No, a notary only certifies the identity of the signer, not the document's content

Notaries certify the identity of the signer and the performance of the notarial act, not the accuracy of the document's contents.