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What should occur when a change has been made to a document?

  1. Nothing, it can still be notarized

  2. Only the signing party must initial the changes

  3. The notary and signing party must both initial the changes

  4. The document must be rewritten with the changes noted

The correct answer is: The notary and signing party must both initial the changes

When a change has been made to a document, it is essential for both the notary and the signing party to initial the changes. This process serves several important purposes. First, it establishes that both parties recognize and agree to the alterations made in the document. By initialing, they provide a clear indication that the changes are intentional and not made without consent or awareness. Additionally, this practice protects the integrity of the notarization process. If a document with changes is presented for notarization, notaries must ensure that the final version is agreed upon by all parties involved. Initialing the changes serves as a safeguard against potential disputes or claims of forgery in the future. It creates a trail of acknowledgment and agreement regarding the specifics of the document. In situations where no initialing occurs, there could be ambiguity about whether the changes were authentic or accepted by all parties. Therefore, following this protocol is crucial for maintaining the legal standing of the notarized document and ensuring that all parties are in agreement about what was altered.