Acknowledgments and Jurats Flashcards

May a Wisconsin notary perform an acknowledgment for a person who signed a document using a mark (X) instead of a full signature?

Answer: Yes, if the notary witnesses the mark and proper procedures are followed

Wisconsin law allows acknowledgment of a document signed by mark, provided the notary witnesses the mark and the appropriate procedures are followed.

What should a Wisconsin notary do if a signer wants an acknowledgment but appears to be signing under duress?

Answer: Refuse to perform the notarization

If a notary reasonably believes a signer is under duress or coercion, the notary should refuse to perform the notarization because voluntary signing is required.

For a corporate acknowledgment in Wisconsin, who may sign on behalf of the corporation?

Answer: An authorized officer or agent of the corporation

A corporate acknowledgment may be executed by any authorized officer or agent of the corporation who has authority to sign on its behalf.

What oath wording should a Wisconsin notary use when administering an oath for a jurat?

Answer: Do you swear (or affirm) that the statements in this document are true to the best of your knowledge?

The standard jurat oath asks the signer to swear or affirm that the statements in the document are true to the best of their knowledge.

Is a Wisconsin notary required to determine why a document is being acknowledged?

Answer: No, the notary is not required to understand or investigate the document's purpose

A notary is not a legal advisor and is not required to investigate or understand the purpose of a document being acknowledged.

What is the effect of a Wisconsin notary failing to administer the oath during a jurat?

Answer: The jurat is defective and may be legally challenged

Failing to administer the oath is a critical defect in a jurat because the sworn oath is an essential element of that notarial act.