Notary Public Ethics and Professional Conduct Flashcards

What is the primary duty of a Wyoming notary public?

Answer: To serve as an impartial witness and deter fraud in document signings

A notary's primary duty is to serve as an impartial, unbiased witness to document signings in order to deter fraud and forgery.

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

Answer: No, notarizing documents in which the notary has a direct financial interest is prohibited

A notary must be impartial and may not notarize documents in which they hold a direct financial or beneficial interest.

What should a Wyoming notary do if they reasonably believe a document is fraudulent?

Answer: Refuse to perform the notarization

A notary who reasonably suspects fraud or that the signer is acting under duress must refuse to perform the notarial act.

Is a Wyoming notary required to provide notarial services to every person who requests them?

Answer: No, a notary may refuse for lawful, non-discriminatory reasons such as suspicion of fraud

A notary may refuse a notarization for lawful reasons such as suspected fraud, incomplete documents, or inability to verify the signer's identity, but may not discriminate unlawfully.

What constitutes 'notarial misconduct' in Wyoming?

Answer: Performing a notarial act in a manner that is fraudulent, dishonest, or violates Wyoming law

Notarial misconduct includes any fraudulent, dishonest, or unlawful act performed in connection with official notarial duties.

Unless they are also a licensed attorney, may a Wyoming notary practice law?

Answer: No, a notary who is not an attorney may not give legal advice or prepare legal documents

Non-attorney notaries are strictly prohibited from practicing law, which includes drafting legal documents or advising signers on legal matters.