Kate Creative Media recently helped local Elder Care Attorney Christine Tennyson update her website to let her potential new clients know she was still open for business. After reviewing her site, I was curious to learn more on how her law practice was adapting to COVID19 and what her thoughts are on what’s to come. Massachusetts Virtual Notarization: Massachusetts has recently enacted a law allowing for virtual notarization of certain documents during the Covid-19 emergency. The estate planning documents covered are: Wills, Trusts, Health Care Proxies, HIPAA authorizations, Durable Powers of Attorney, nomination of Guardians/Conservators, and Caregiver Authorization Affidavits. Some of the main points of the new law are:
- Virtual notarization can be accomplished as long as all parties have access to the specific videoconferencing app. that allows stored recordings.
- All parties must be in Massachusetts and each party must be present for the videoconference at the same time, with a copy of the document or signature page/pages to be signed and returned to the notary.
- All parties must also give their verbal consent to the recording of the video conference.
- This recording, affidavits, and all identification of the parties must be kept for 10 years by the Notary.
This law will be in effect until 3 days after the end of the Governor’s Declaration of a State of Emergency. Disclaimer: The information provided should not be considered legal advice. If you have further questions you should seek the advice of an attorney.Visit Attorney Tennyson’s website Email: [email protected]
Office: 1-508-997-0400
Fax: 1-508-594-3236