Many of us are reviewing and considering our wills and estate documents as the pandemic has evolved. Usually, we need to have a meeting with you to sign off on these critical documents. Some are unable or unwilling to come to an office and it is more difficult to attend at a client’s home to complete these materials.
On May 15, 2020, the Government of Alberta enacted provisions to assist for the short term. This allows for virtual witnessing of a Will, Power of Attorney or Personal Directive. Persons are deemed to be in each other’s presence while connected to each other by an electronic method of communication in which they are able to see, hear and communicate with each other in real time. The provisions do not allow the documents to be signed in counterpart so it is necessary for the original document to be circulated physically to each witness for signature.
If this assists you in deciding to proceed to make or update your estate documents, please contact us.