The thought of setting up an estate plan is often difficult for anyone. However, because we are living in times of the Coronavirus pandemic, doing so is now more important than ever. The future is unpredictable, and it is important that ever facet is prepared for so that you are not caught off guard. While living under the stay-at-home orders due to the pandemic can make the estate planning process more difficult, it does not make it impossible. Continue reading to learn more and contact an experienced New York estate planning attorney.

Signing Estate Planning Documents

As stay-at-home orders throughout New York have required the temporary closure of all non-essential businesses, notary publics are currently not open to have estate planning documents notarized. It is because of this that Governor Cuomo issued an executive order that allows documents to be notarized virtually. The process must follow certain guidelines, including:

  • The person seeking the Notary’s services must present valid photo ID to the Notary during the video conference
  • The video conference must allow for direct interaction between the person and the Notary
  • The person must affirmatively represent that he or she is physically situated in the state of New York
  • The person must transmit by fax or electronic means a legible copy of the signed document directly to the Notary on the same date it was signed
  • The Notary may notarize the transmitted copy of the document and transmit the same back to the person
  • The Notary may repeat the notarization of the original signed document as of the date of the execution provided the Notary receives such original signed document together with the electronically notarized copy within thirty days after the date of execution

How Can I Review my Documents?

Currently, in-person meetings with attorneys are prohibited. It is because of this that phone calls are available to review the documents within your estate plan or to prepare the documents to be sent to you. In the event that you need your documents simply for reviewal or an emergency situation, these can be sent to you by mail or email. 

Contact our Firm

The Lauterbach Law Firm is proud to serve clients throughout Rockland County who are faced with legal matters related to estate planning, real estate, foreclosure defense, landlord-tenant law, business law, and criminal defense. If you require the services of an experienced team of attorneys, contact The Lauterbach Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.