What is the primary role of a notary public in Arkansas?

The primary role of a notary public in Arkansas is to act as an impartial witness during the signing of documents. This involves verifying the identity of the signers, ensuring they understand the contents of the documents, and confirming that they are signing voluntarily without any coercion. The notary's presence adds an additional layer of authenticity and trust to the transaction, reassuring all parties involved that the signatures are genuine.

A notary's function is not to provide legal advice, as they do not possess the qualifications or authority to practice law. Additionally, preparing legal documents is outside the scope of a notary's responsibilities; they are primarily focused on witnessing signatures rather than drafting or altering legal paperwork. Finally, while notaries can be involved in real estate transactions by witnessing signatures, their role is not limited to this context, making it a narrower focus than their broader function as impartial witnesses across various document signings.