Estate Planning and Virtual Will Witnessing
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Conventional Will execution is often complex and inconvenient, while online notary services and virtual Will witnessing provide an accessible alternative.
- Online notary services and virtual Will witnessing offer greater flexibility, security, and cost efficiency relative to in-person authentication.
- Online signing involves booking an appointment, preparing your document, signing via video conferencing, and receiving an authenticated copy of the document.
- British Columbia and Ontario legally recognize electronic signatures and virtual witnessing for Wills.
- NotaryPro offers online signing services for Wills in urban and remote areas.
A Convenient Solution
Traditionally, creating a Will and getting it authenticated involved multiple steps. You would need to:
- Visit a physical notary public office.
- Sign your Will in the presence of a notary.
- Pay notary fees.
- Ensure the Will is properly stored and accessible when needed.
For many individuals, especially those with busy schedules or health concerns, these steps can be daunting. Additionally, during times like the COVID-19 pandemic, physical visits to notary offices were not always possible or safe. Online notary solutions and virtual Will witnessing address these challenges, making estate planning more accessible and hassle-free.
Read more about whether Wills need to be authenticated in this blog post.
Advantages of Online Notary and Witnessing Services
Convenience
Online notary services allow you to meet with a notary public from the comfort of your own home or office. All you need is a computer or smartphone with a camera and internet access.
Accessibility
These services are available evenings, weekends (and business hours!), allowing you to schedule an appointment at a time that suits you best, even outside of traditional business hours.
Security
Our online notary platform uses secure technology to verify your identity, ensuring the integrity of the process.
Cost-Effective
Online notary solutions often have competitive pricing compared to in-person notaries, helping you save money on notary fees. To view our most updated prices, please visit our Pricing page.
Virtual Witnessing for Estate Documents
NotaryPro is a trusted provider of online notary services that also offers Virtual Will Witnessing. Here’s how it works:
- Book an Appointment: Start by scheduling an appointment with a NotaryPro notary public at a time that suits you. Click here to book a Virtual Will Signing.
- Prepare Your Documents: Prior to the appointment, make sure your Will document is ready for signing.
- Video Conference: Connect with the notary via a secure video conference call. They will guide you through the process, ensuring all signatures are completed correctly.
- Mailed Directly to You: A companion copy of your Will that’s been signed by the notary will be mailed directly to you. Once you add this document to your signed copy, your Will is now complete.
Benefits of NotaryPro’s Virtual Will Witnessing:
Legal Validity
The government of BC introduced Bill 21 which was passed on December 1st, 2021, which amends the current Wills, Estates and Succession Act to allow for digital (electronic) signatures on Wills. A year earlier in April 2020, the Ontario government also began allowing legal professionals (such as notary publics) to virtually witness the signing of Last Will and Testaments and Powers of Attorney through online video platforms.
Time Savings
Say goodbye to lengthy in-person appointments and travel time. Virtual Will witnessing can be completed in minutes.
Accessibility
Whether you live in a remote area or a bustling city, NotaryPro’s services are available to you.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your Will is validated gives you peace of mind about your estate planning.
Get Started with Virtual Witnessing Today
Estate planning is an important task that everyone will need to eventually complete, and the advent of online notary services and virtual Will witnessing has made this process more accessible and convenient than ever before. NotaryPro, with its commitment to providing secure and efficient services, is a stellar example of how technology can simplify and enhance the estate planning process. Embrace the future of online legal services and ensure your last wishes are legally documented with ease through NotaryPro’s Virtual Will Witnessing service.