REMOTE EXECUTION OF ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS NOW PERMITTED

Governor Hogan authorizes remote notarization and witnessing during COVID-19 crisis.

The COVID-19 health crisis presents a unique challenge for estate planning attorneys.  Traditionally, most estate plan documents were executed under the attorney’s direct supervision in a face to face meeting.  Obviously, it is difficult to accommodate today’s “social distancing” guidelines in such a meeting.  While in-person meetings with appropriate distancing measures are still possible, virtual meetings have become much more desirable.

Until recently, witness and notary requirements for estate planning documents made it very difficult to execute those documents virtually.  However, Governor Larry Hogan recently issued executive orders permitting certain estate planning documents to be witnessed and notarized remotely via video conference technology.

Governor Hogan’s Orders are available here:

Remote Witnessing – https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Remote-Witnessing-4.10.20.pdf

Remote Notarization – https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Remote-Notarizations-3.30.20.pdf

We are pleased to add virtual execution to our capabilities and remind you that we are operating at full capacity.  Please contact us to discuss how we can help you.