The COVID-19 pandemic has created a need for social distancing, and consequently, has created substantial obstacles for clients who need to meet with legal counsel in-person to execute their legal documents. In an attempt to mitigate this issue, on March 19, 2020, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued Executive Order Number 202.7 (hereinafter referred to as the “Order”) allowing any notarial act required by New York law to be conducted by and through the use of audio-video technology (e.g., Skype, Facetime, Starleaf, etc.). 

Among other requirements, New York law requires a notary acknowledgment of signatures on certain estate planning documents, such as wills and trusts. Pursuant to Governor Cuomo’s Order, as long as certain criteria are met, estate planning documents requiring a notary acknowledgment can be executed remotely via audio-video technology.

The Order requires:

This temporary bypass to the standard notary rules enables Lippes Mathias to continue serving its clients in their estate planning needs during this time. 

Of note, New York law requires two disinterested persons to witness the execution of wills and trusts. This Order only provides guidance on the remote notarization and is silent as to the aforementioned witness requirement. Thus, if the execution of a will or trust can only be accomplished remotely, it is advisable to re-conduct the will or trust execution ceremony in person as soon as that option becomes available.   

The Order is effective through April 18, 2020.