When is a witness added to a session?

The correct choice, which states that a witness is added to a session when specifically required by law or document, accurately reflects the legal framework surrounding notarization and witness requirements. In many jurisdictions, the presence of a witness may be mandated for certain types of documents, such as wills, real estate transactions, or certain financial agreements. This requirement is often put in place to provide an additional layer of verification and to help ensure the authenticity of the signatures and the intentions of the parties involved in the document.

If the nature of the document or the laws of the state dictate that a witness is necessary, it is critical to comply with these regulations to maintain the validity of the notarization process. A witness can serve as a safeguard against potential disputes by confirming that the transaction occurred and that the signers were competent and willing participants.

In contrast, the other proposed scenarios do not universally warrant the addition of a witness. For instance, adding a witness before the notary begins their introduction or during the identification verification phase does not align with procedural norms, as these stages focus primarily on verifying identity and gathering the necessary parties rather than satisfying legal witness requirements. After the initial signing process may also be too late, as the witness's role is typically integral to the signing itself,