Can a notary public in Guam refuse to notarize a document?

A notary public in Guam has the authority to refuse to notarize a document under certain circumstances, and the correct answer highlights one of the primary reasons for such a refusal. If a notary believes that the signer is not acting voluntarily or may be under duress, it is their responsibility to protect the integrity of the notarization process. Ensuring that all parties are making their decisions freely and without coercion is essential to maintaining trust in notarial acts.

This principle aligns with the notary's duty to verify the identity of the signer and the voluntary nature of the transaction. When a notary public suspects that someone is being pressured or manipulated, they are ethically and legally obligated to decline the request for notarization. This refusal helps prevent fraudulent activities and protects both the notary and the signing parties.

In contrast, the other circumstances noted in the question do not provide valid reasons for refusing to notarize. The notary is not bound to comply with every request without consideration of the circumstances, nor can they deny service simply due to an unmet quota or lack of a court directive. Each notarization is rooted in the principles of voluntary action and informed consent, which the notary is tasked with upholding.