Estate Planning via Video Conference

It was announced by the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General that as of May 19, 2020 the BC. Provincial Government will allow for Wills, Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements to be witnessed via video conference during COVID-19.

A few key points to make note of:

• One of the witnesses must be a lawyer or notary public in good standing
• Both the Will-maker and lawyer need to be in each other’s presence during the video call in order to validate the signing of the Will
• The Will-maker and lawyer need to sign identical copies of the Will while in each other’s electronic presence
• Video conferencing for witnessing these documents will stay in effect until the state of emergency has expired

Bell Alliance LLP is fully operational and we are happy to assist clients in person (we have proper safety protocols in place at our office) or through video conferencing. COVID-19 has opened the eyes of many in regards to the importance of having an estate plan in place in order to protect and ease the burden of your loved ones. Despite these uncertain and unprecedented times, our lawyers are here to help and to make you feel comfortable in your decisions.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

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