New York State Temporarily Permits Virtual Will Signings

We hope you and your families are safe and healthy in these tumultuous times.

In our prior newsletters we described the documents that comprise a basic estate plan.

To refresh your recollection, a medical proxy appoints a person to make medical decisions if one is incapacitated.

A living will sets forth one’s directives regarding ongoing medical and ventilator treatment.

A power of attorney empowers someone to act in one’s stead in financial and business dealings.

And, of course, a will distributes assets, names guardians and sets up trusts for young children.

Please be advised that as of April 7, 2020, in recognition of the national emergency, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order permitting remote notarization and remote witnessing of wills. As such, the signing, notarization and witnessing process can all be coordinated and supervised remotely until May 7, 2020.

If you have any questions please contact us.