In response to the ongoing COVID-19 virus crisis, Governor Cuomo recently enacted by executive order permission for remote notarization. The requirements are:

• The signatory must present valid photo ID to the notary during the video conference (if the person is not personally known to the notary).

• The video conference must allow for direct interaction (i.e. no prerecorded videos).

• The signatory must affirmatively represent that he or she is physically in New York.

• The signatory must transmit by fax or electronic means a copy of the signed document to the notary on the same date it was signed.

• The notary may notarize the transmitted copy and transmit the same back to the signatory.

• The notary may repeat the notarization of the original signed document as of the date of execution, provided the notary receives such original signed document together with the electronically notarized copy within 30 days after the date of execution (note that the notary does not have to receive the original document; this provision applies only if the notary needs to notarize the original document at some point, and if so, the notary can backdate such notarization to match the virtual notarization, per this provision).

This permits estate planning attorneys to supervise the execution of trust instruments and will signing remotely while the crisis continues. At Raimond & Staines, LLC we have access to any of a variety of videoconferencing platforms, including Zoom, Facetime, and Whatsapp. We would be happy to discuss your needs with you in these trying times.

If you are interested in remote document creation and signings, please contact Raimond & Staines, LLC.

305 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10007

(212) 884-9636

tim@raimondstaines.com
frank@raimondstaines.com

Attorney advertising and legal notice:  This website contains general information about Raimond & Staines, LLC.  It is not intended to provide and should not be relied upon on as a source of legal advice.  Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.