MT Notary Ethics and Professional Conduct 3

Question 1

A Montana notary's spouse asks her to notarize his signature on a loan document from which she receives no benefit. What is the best practice?

Accepted Answer

Decline or proceed with caution, since notarizing for a spouse risks a disqualifying interest challenge

Answer

Marital property interests can give a notary an indirect beneficial interest, so notarizing for a spouse is discouraged and may be prohibited.

Question 2

A signer presents an expired driver's license as identification. The Montana notary knows the signer casually from church. What should the notary do?

Accepted Answer

Require satisfactory identification, such as a current ID or a credible witness, before proceeding

Answer

Casual familiarity is not personal knowledge, so the notary needs valid identification or a credible witness before notarizing.

Question 3

A title company offers a Montana notary a bonus for every closing where she overlooks minor identification problems. Accepting this arrangement would be:

Accepted Answer

Official misconduct that could lead to commission revocation and liability

Answer

Agreeing to ignore identification requirements for compensation is misconduct exposing the notary to revocation, civil liability, and criminal penalties.

Question 4

During a notarization, a Montana notary realizes the signer appears confused and cannot describe what the document does. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Postpone the notarization because the signer may lack awareness or willingness

Answer

A notary should not proceed when the signer does not appear to understand the transaction or act willingly.

Question 5

A Montana notary is asked by her employer to disclose journal details about a customer's notarization to a marketing team. What should she do?

Accepted Answer

Decline, because journal information should only be shared as the law allows

Answer

The journal is the notary's own record, and disclosing entries for marketing rather than lawful inspection purposes breaches the notary's duty.

(MT Notary) Montana Notary Exam Practice Test

(MT Notary) Montana Notary Exam Practice Test

MT Notary Ethics and Professional Conduct 3