What actions must a notary take if they suspect a signer is not signing voluntarily?

A notary must refuse to notarize a document if they suspect that the signer is not signing voluntarily. This action is crucial because notarization is intended to ensure that the signer is acting of their own free will, thereby upholding the integrity of the notarial process. If there are signs of coercion, fraud, or undue influence, the notary has an ethical and legal obligation to abstain from proceeding. Notarizing under such circumstances could lead to legal repercussions for both the notary and the involved parties, undermining trust in the notarial system.

While consulting with an attorney or calling the police may seem like options in serious situations, they are not the immediate responsibilities of the notary in this context. The primary duty of the notary in these circumstances is to ensure that all parties are acting voluntarily.