In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, having the ability to sign and execute legal documents remotely can be a huge relief - especially to the elderly, handicapped, or immunocompromised. Each state has its own laws regarding the practice, depending on the type of document.
With social distancing and quarantine rules in place, some states, like Maryland, have modified their laws to allow for the remote witnessing and notarization of wills and trusts. It is important to know the rules in your state of residence. Using national data gathered by The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, we've compiled a list of the most current laws for remote witnessing and notarization in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Download a printable PDF version here.*
While in-person signings are preferred, the fewer roadblocks to having documents in place, the better. The key takeaway is that having unsigned or incomplete documents are as good as having no documents at all. As an essential office, we remain open and ready to serve our clients in the way that suits them best - in-office, at home, or virtually, as permitted by your state's laws. Contact us to schedule a complimentary virtual consultation to discuss your estate planning needs and your options for getting them taken care of.
*DISCLAIMER: Laws are rapidly changing in response to COVID-19, and the information contained herein is subject to change.
