A daughter scheduled for her mother, but the mother seems confused.
Short answer
Speak with the mother directly and privately if possible. If she cannot explain what she is signing or seems to be signing for someone else, decline.
Full explanation
This is the highest-risk scenario in general notary work, and it is the exact situation notarial safeguards exist for. Ask the signer, not the family member: "What are we signing today?" "Whose idea was this?" "Who did you choose?" If the daughter answers, redirect politely. Declining is not an accusation; it is the correct outcome when awareness or willingness is unclear.
Example
"Mrs. Alvarez, in your own words, what would you like this document to do?" — silence, then "Ask my daughter." The notary declines and suggests the family speak with the attorney who prepared the document.
Common mistake to avoid
Elder financial exploitation frequently runs through notarized powers of attorney and deeds. Document your observations in your journal.
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Notary Answers™ by QuitaDell Enterprises — educational information about notarial procedure, not legal advice.