Yes, BC became the first Canadian province to allow its residents to sign, witness and store their Wills online. When that well known virus took hold in 2020, the emergency orders in BC allowed, for the first time, Wills to be legally binding when witnessed and signed virtually. When those emergency orders were lifted, the ability to witness and sign Wills virtually was written into law.
Currently, a digital will is valid if witnessed by two independent people in your ‘electronic presence’. This means that your digital signature will be witnessed via a video conference in which the witnesses view and confirm the document that you are digitally signing. In our practice, this is done by a lawyer and legal support staff to ensure that you understand the will you are signing and that any questions you have are answered by legal counsel.
At Sage Hill Law, you can complete your will from start to finish working virtually with our Lawyer and legal team. You will have a fully, legally binding document without ever having to make trips to a lawyer’s office.
No matter which avenue you choose, it is always best to confer with a legal professional to ensure that your Will, Enduring Power or Attorney or Representation Agreement is executed correctly and, therefore, legally binding.
Find out more about our estate planning services and book a consultation here.
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Consult with qualified professionals to create a personalized estate plan suitable for your specific circumstances.
