Governor Cuomo Issues Executive Order Allowing New Yorkers To Execute Estate Planning Documents Remotely

In response to the overwhelming need of New Yorkers to address their estate planning concerns during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.14 (the “Executive Order”), which, among other things, temporarily allows for wills, trusts, health care proxies and powers of attorney to be witnessed via audio-visual technology, provided certain important conditions are met.  Previously these documents required witnesses to be in the physical presence of the signor. 

As a result the Executive Order, from now until May 7, 2020 New Yorkers may have their wills, trusts, health care proxies and powers of attorney – vital estate planning tools – executed and witnessed with the assistance audio-visual technology, without potentially risking their health and without waiting until after the pandemic is over.

Cullen and Dykman LLP is committed to assisting our clients with their estate planning questions and concerns during this coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and has the proper audio-visual technology to facilitate remote signings.  Please do not hesitate to contact our readily available Estate Planning team:

Andrew P. Nitkewicz at (516) 357-3895 or via email at anitkewicz@cullenllp.com.
Elizabeth Larrauri Chamulak at (212) 701-4112 or via email at echamulak@cullenllp.com.

Please note that this is a general overview of developments in the law and does not constitute legal advice.  Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between the sender and recipient.