Can a notary in New Jersey notarize for a relative?

In New Jersey, while a notary can technically notarize documents for a relative, it is generally discouraged to prevent any potential conflicts of interest. The ethical considerations involved in notarizing for family members stem from the notary’s responsibility to act impartially and ensure that they do not have a personal stake in the outcome of the transaction. Notarizing for a relative could lead to questions about the authenticity of the signature or the intent of the signatory, especially if there are disputes or challenges later on.

This practice aligns with the guidance provided by notary associations and regulatory bodies, which emphasize that a notary should be cautious when involved in transactions that could personally benefit them or where there might be a perceived bias. Encouraging impartiality helps maintain the integrity of the notarization process, which is critical for the validity of the documents.

Therefore, while notarizing for relatives is permissible, acknowledging that it is discouraged reflects a best practice approach to avoid any ethical dilemmas or appearance of impropriety. This is why the selected answer accurately represents the guidelines surrounding this practice.