Covid-19 Executive Order and Estate Planning

                In an unprecedented action, Governor Pritzker signed Executive Order 2020-14 changing the way lawyers can offer assistance to those most vulnerable to Coronavirus. The virus is making in person “Execution Ceremonies” (signing the document) counter productive to the CDC’s recommendation of social distancing. The Executive Order states that during the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation, remote notarization and witnessing shall be allowed with the following stipulations:

1. The witnesses and notary must have audio and visual communication throughout the entire ceremony. 
2. The signatory must attest that they are physically located in Illinois. 
3. The video interaction must be recorded and the record must be preserved for three years. 
4. The signatory must transmit the document to the notary the same day (within 24 hours).
5. Witnesses may sign original within 30 days of the execution of the document.

If you have not completed your estate planning documents, most especially your powers of attorney, please contact The Law Office of Jonathan W. Cole at (708) 529-7794 to ensure you are protected.