In welcome news from Harrisburg, Governor Wolf has signed into law Act 97 of 2020, making the emergency provisions of remote on-line notary permanent. Previously, the remote notary provisions were set to expire sixty days after the expiration of the Governor’s declared emergency regarding the Covid-19 epidemic. Now Pennsylvanians will continue to benefit from the opportunity to sign remotely-notarized documents from the safety of their own home. Remote notary is simple, inexpensive and safe. The signer, notary, and witnesses all join an on-line meeting, and the signing of documents and notarial act are all completed electronically. The process can take… read more »
On-Line Notary Should be Made Permanent
In the early days of the COVID-19 epidemic, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and our Pennsylvania Legislature took action to assure public safety by legalizing on-line remote notary of Pennsylvania legal documents. This foresighted action by our leaders has allowed Pennsylvanians to complete legal documents, safely and conveniently, without leaving their own home. However, legalized remote notary is set to expire when the current declaration of emergency ends. Our Legislature and Governor Wolf should act now to approve Senate Bill 1097, which will make remote notary permanent for all Pennsylvanians. Remote notary began on March 25, 2020, when Governor Wolf enacted an executive order… read more »
Safe, Secure Estate Planning is Available in COVID-19 Uncertainty
As Pennsylvania transitions from Red to Yellow, significant restrictions will continue to limit our public interactions, and safety for ourselves and our loved ones requires continued separation. However, these restrictions do not prevent you from assuring that important estate documents like Wills and powers-of-attorney are in place, updating those documents or health care directives to meet your needs, and making certain that your family and loved ones are protected. At any time, having your Will and estate documents in place provides protection and peace of mind. During the current emergency, the protection of good estate planning is essential. Fortunately, our Legislature has acted… read more »
COVID-19 Update: New Act Provides PA with Safe Secure Remote-Notary Service without Leaving Home
Article by: Attorney Timothy Bupp and Paralegal Cori Spisak Earlier this week, our Legislature acted to make Pennsylvanians safer by strengthening the use of remote notarization in the Commonwealth. Act 15 of 2020, signed by Governor Wolf on April 20, gives statutory support to the Governor’s previous Executive Orders on remote notary. Notaries can now assist with the signing, witnessing and notarization of legal documents without the signors physically appearing before the notary agent. Act 15 also expands the use of remote notary to a wider range of documents and to signors outside of the boundaries of our Commonwealth. These protections will… read more »
COVID-19 Update: Remote Notary for Estate Planning Now Available During Emergency
Written by Attorney Timothy J. Bupp, CELA; CGA Estate Practice Chairman The COVID-19 emergency has created unwanted stress for those of us in quarantine. The risk of illness, particularly for older persons, has caused concern regarding whether we can get the legal help we need. Review estate planning documents Many have taken this time to rethink their estate planning documents, including wills, health care directives, and powers of attorney. Unfortunately, during this uncertain time when having these documents in place has never been more important, the shelter-in-place order makes it more difficult than ever to arrange the necessary meetings with professionals to prepare,… read more »
