During the global pandemic, many people wanted to get their legal affairs in order and update their will or create a health directive. However, due to pandemic quarantines, many offices were closed and people were self-quarantining at home. In March 2020, Illinois Governor Pritzker issued an executive order authorizing virtual estate planning and the execution of a will online using technology.
Now that Illinois officially reopened on June 11, many people are asking, Are virtual wills still legal in Illinois?
Virtual estate planning is here to stay. On June 12, 2020, the governor’s executive order was signed into law. The implementation of virtual estate planning went very smoothly and will continue permanently. Traditional estate planning requires an individual and their attorney to meet face-to-face, in-person, privately and confidentially to discuss and execute wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives and other legal documents.
Benefits of Virtual Estate Planning
In addition to the health and safety reasons the law was enacted, there are other benefits of virtual estate planning:
1. Draft and sign essential documents from your home if you are ill or disabled or have difficulty leaving your home.
2. Update estate documents if you are away from home on an extended holiday or a 2nd vacation home.
3. Convenience of reviewing and signing important documents without traveling to your attorney’s office.
4. Faster to schedule and enact document updates.
5. Technology makes the process simpler and more accurate.
At the Estate and Probate Legal Group, our virtual estate planning services are identical to our traditional services – EXCEPT we use technology to meet face-to-face, privately and confidentially. Technology allows our clients to meet with us from the safety and convenience of their homes, rather than coming to our offices.
Estate planning is preparing for the future. The Estate and Probate Legal Group offers virtual and traditional estate planning services to help you protect your family. Contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group in Lombard Illinois today at 630-864-5835.
