BREAKING NEWS: Remotely Sign Your Illinois Estate Planning Documents
Executive Order 2020-14: Virtual Witnessing of Documents
On March 26, 2020, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued Executive Order 2020-14 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This order permits the temporary virtual witnessing of documents through video technology.
Long Law Group has implemented procedures to comply with this order and is hosting signing ceremonies remotely via Skype and Zoom. We are pleased to provide our clients with the opportunity to securely execute their estate planning documents from the comfort of their own homes.
Electronic Wills and the Illinois Probate Act
While several states have embraced electronic Wills, Illinois has not. The Illinois Probate Act requires a Will to be signed in the presence of two witnesses. The necessity for the testator to be physically “in the presence of” the witnesses posed a significant challenge during the pandemic, which confined individuals to their residences. This order temporarily broadens the requirement, allowing for virtual witnessing.
Read more about Remote Notary, Witnessing, and Estate Planning are Here to Stay.
Impact of Executive Order 2020-14
Section 4 of the order specifically applies to Last Will and Testaments, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney. This step guarantees that key estate planning documents can be finalized while prioritizing safety.
Contact us at Contact@jlonglaw.com or 312-344-3644 with any questions about this process.
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