When forming a trust, a notary must witness the signing of trust documents, verifying the identity of the individual establishing the trust (the grantor) and confirming that the trust has been created voluntarily and under their own free will. The notary also certifies that all signatures on the trust documents are genuine. The notary's role in the creation of a trust helps to ensure the validity and legality of the trust instrument, protecting the interests of the grantor, the designated beneficiaries, and the trust assets.