In Massachusetts, the signer must be physically present before the notary at the time of the notarization. This ensures that the notary can verify the identity of the signer and confirm their willingness to sign the document.
Pre-signed blank notarial certificates are prohibited because they can be misused or lead to fraudulent activities. The notary must complete the notarial certificate at the time of notarization and ensure that all information is accurate and truthful.
The signer must understand the content of the document they are signing. If the signer does not understand the language in which the document is written, the notary should not proceed with the notarization unless a competent translator is present to ensure the signer comprehends the document.
If a notary suspects that a document is fraudulent or that the signer is being coerced, they should refuse to notarize the document. It is also appropriate to report the situation to the relevant authorities, such as local law enforcement or the Secretary of State, as notarizing such documents would be unethical and potentially illegal.
Massachusetts notaries are prohibited from notarizing documents in which they have a financial interest or any personal stake. This rule helps maintain the impartiality and integrity of the notarial process.
