The ACT Government has introduced a new temporary law, which allows certain legal documents to be witnessed virtually, helping to reduce face-to-face contact during the Covid-19 crisis.

Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, Affidavits and other legal documents can now be witnessed over video conference, whether it’s on Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp or any other program. The witnesses can then sign a scanned version of the document or a counterpart of the document with a statement endorsing that the document was witnessed in accordance with the new law.

The new law does not permit digital signatures, and the signatures of each party must still be made by pen on paper.

You should still seek legal advice in regards to signing any legal document with virtual witnessing.

At MV Law, we are offering phone and virtual meetings.

Wills and Estates
tanya.herbertson@mvlawyers.com.au
(02) 6279 4444