What is essential to ensure the integrity of the signing process before a witness leaves?

The integrity of the signing process is paramount, and locking the document for additional signatures is a crucial step to ensure that the content of the document remains unchanged after the initial signing. By locking the document, it prevents any further modifications or alterations, which could jeopardize the authenticity of the signatures already collected. This security measure ensures that the signed document remains a true reflection of the parties’ intentions and agreements at the time of signing.

While confirming a witness's personal identity is important for validity, monitoring the duration of the signing process does not directly impact the integrity of the signed document. Similarly, filing signed documents immediately can be important for record-keeping but does not contribute to securing the signatures already acquired. Locking the document is the definitive action that fortifies the signing process's integrity.