Please note that since this blog article was published the emergency authorization allowing remote will signing has expired.
Almost everyone in New York State and New York City, the epicenter of the Coronavrus pandemic, has been social distancing resulting in the closing of many businesses, including law firms. While the customary visit to a lawyer’s office to sign a will and other estate planning documents may not be possible, lawyers, working from home offices, can still provide their services in preparing and supervising the signing of such documents.
Governor Cuomo’s executive order 202.14 now permits remote witnessing of wills and health care proxies. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20214-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency
If you have the ability to video conference with your attorney and your witnesses, you can sign your will, health care proxy and power of attorney from the comfort and safety of your home.
Anyone with a webcam or smartphone need not delay signing these important estate planning documents as there is now no need for you, your witnesses and attorney to be in one office.
Please contact the Law Office Of George H. Dippel at (718) 229-1505 for more information and a free consultation.
