To permit the execution of important legal documents, while reducing face-to-face exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-74. The new Executive Order went into effect on May 5, 2020 at 9:37 p.m. and permits the remote notarization and witnessing of documents until 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2020. Notarial commissions expiring between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020 are now extended until June 30, 2020.

Another helpful change in the Executive Order is the extension of time within which witnessed documents have to be transmitted between the signatory and the witnesses from 24 to 72 hours. Executive Order 2020-74 rescinds a similar order, Executive Order 2020-41, that was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on May 6, 2020. A summary of the Executive Order is attached.

We have created a response team to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and the law and guidance that follows, so we will continue to post any new developments. You can view our COVID-19 Response Page and additional resources by following the link here. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

Chair of Fraser Trebilcock’s Trusts and Estates Department and serving as Secretary/Treasurer of the firm, attorney Marlaine C. Teahan is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and is the past Chair of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan. For help with your estate planning needs, contact Marlaine  at 517-377-0869 or mteahan@fraserlawfirm.com.