Not every notarization appointment is straightforward

Sometimes, I walk into an appointment and everything looks normal...until it doesn’t. A hesitant signer, a hovering relative, an uneasy pause. That’s when my job shifts from stamping a document to protecting someone’s rights.

A big part of my job as a notary is making sure every signature I witness is given willingly. That means free of pressure, intimidation, or manipulation, even subtle kinds.

Here’s what I’m trained to watch for:

•  Nervous, withdrawn, or fearful behavior

•  A signer who can’t speak freely or privately

•  Someone pressuring a signer to “just sign it”

•  Delayed answers to simple questions like, “Is this your decision?”

If something doesn’t sit right, I stop the signing.

Because here’s the truth: no deal is worth compromising someone’s free will.

Every state has different rules, but in Washington, I follow the Notary Public Code of Professional Responsibility, which empowers me to refuse any notarization if I believe someone is being coerced.

No stamp is more important than someone’s autonomy.

GIRL FRIDAY NOTARY SERVICES

Notarization may be boring, but I’m not!

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