Yesterday, I had a first for my office. As you are aware, the Corona virus has impacted everyone’s lives. However, there are certain legal matters that still need to be taken care of. One such matter is estate planning. Although some states have allowed remote notaries and New Jersey just enacted a law last night that allows it for certain documents, you still need need two witness and a notary, in person, to validate a will. In order to accommodate my client as well as the parameters of social distance, we conducting an outdoor will signing. A table was set up outside with pens and hand sanitizer. The client signed the documents first, wearing a mask, gloves and bringing their own pen. The witnesses and myself sat in our cars and observed her signing. Then, each witness, in their gloves and masks, took turns signing as well with me being the last one to sign. I kept the documents for 24 hours in an envelope before I mailed it back to her. She had a peace of mind and I was happy to be able to provide the documents for my client.
