Missouri’s New Remote and Digital Estate Planning Legislation: What You Need to Know

In a significant move towards modernizing legal processes, Missouri has recently enacted new legislation that permits remote and digital estate planning. This groundbreaking law allows residents to create, sign, and notarize estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance health care directives using remote technology. Here’s a closer look at what this legislation entails and why it matters for Missourians.

What Does the Legislation Do?

Traditionally, estate planning has required in-person meetings with attorneys, witnesses, and notaries to ensure documents are properly executed. Missouri’s new law adapts to the realities of today’s digital world by:

1. Allowing remote notarization: Missourians can now have their estate planning documents notarized via live audio-video technology. This means you don’t have to be physically present with a notary to complete your documents.
2. Permitting electronic signatures: The law recognizes electronic signatures on estate planning documents as legally valid, removing the need for paper-based signatures.
3. Enabling remote witnessing: Witnesses to wills and other documents can observe the signing process remotely, ensuring compliance with legal requirements without being in the same room.
4. Supporting secure digital storage: The legislation encourages the use of secure digital platforms to store estate planning documents, making it easier to access and update them as needed.

Why This Matters for Missouri Residents

1. Increased Accessibility: Remote estate planning removes geographic and physical barriers. Whether you live in a rural area, have mobility challenges, or are simply pressed for time, you can now complete vital legal documents from the comfort of your home.
2. Enhanced Safety: Especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, minimizing in-person contact has been a priority. This law helps protect public health by reducing the need for face-to-face meetings during the estate planning process.
3. Convenience and Efficiency: Digital tools streamline the process, making it faster and more convenient. You can consult with attorneys remotely, sign documents electronically, and have everything notarized without multiple trips.
4. Legal Certainty: By codifying remote notarization and digital signatures, Missouri ensures that documents executed remotely are legally valid and enforceable, providing peace of mind.
5. Encouraging Modern Practices: The legislation aligns Missouri with a growing number of states embracing technology in legal processes, paving the way for future innovations.

In conclusion, Missouri’s new remote and digital estate planning legislation is a major step forward in making estate planning more accessible, secure, and convenient. If you’re a Missouri resident, it’s a great time to review your estate plan and consider utilizing these new digital options to safeguard your wishes and provide for your loved ones.