What must a notary do upon their death regarding their notarial records?

The requirement for a notary’s records upon their death is crucial for maintaining the integrity of notarial acts and protecting the rights of the individuals who relied on those services. When a notary passes away, their notarial records must be transferred to the Attorney General or another designated authority, ensuring that there is a proper oversight and safeguarding of these important documents. This procedure helps maintain a central repository of notarial acts, which can be essential for legal purposes and historical records.

In this context, the transfer of records to the Attorney General serves several purposes: it provides continued access to the records for clients and the public, it prevents any potential misuse of those records, and it ensures compliance with local laws governing notarial practices. Other options, such as discarding the records or notifying clients of their death, do not uphold the necessary legal processes and accountability required by notarial law in Guam. Keeping records indefinitely may seem practical, but without appropriate management and oversight, this does not fulfill the obligation to maintain public trust and legality in notarial functions. Thus, the requirement for heirs to return the notarial records to the Attorney General is the correct and legally supported action.