What are the rules regarding notarizing for family members in Pennsylvania?

Notaries in Pennsylvania must adhere to specific guidelines when it comes to notarizing documents for family members. The crucial rule is that notaries are prohibited from notarizing documents in which they have a direct personal interest. This includes any situation where the notary is a party to the document being notarized. Therefore, the principle underlying the correct answer emphasizes that notarizations should be impartial and free from personal connections that could influence the notary's objectivity.

In practice, this means if a notary is related to one of the signers or has a vested interest in the document, they should refrain from performing the notarization. This approach helps to maintain the integrity of the notarizing process and ensure that all parties involved are treated fairly and without bias. Other options may suggest that notarization is allowed under certain conditions or without restrictions, but these do not align with the requirement for impartiality and the absence of personal interest in the transaction.