Each of you have our prayers that you and your loved ones are spared from any health effects of this
outbreak. This crisis is unique in our modern history, because it spares no one from the effects, whether
they are social, mental, economic or physical.
Through the past days, we have worked with our clients to counsel them through the rebuilding and
restarting of their businesses, navigating the new government regulations, and giving some structure to
get their personal lives on a solid footing. We are confident, and you can be too, that our lawyers and
professional staff will be here and work hard to help you through the rough water and successfully reach
the other shore.
We take comfort knowing that in the history of our Firm, with its predecessor being founded in 1891,
guided all its clients through the worst in modern history, from the Spanish influenza of 1918, 9/11, the
2008 financial crisis, and Hurricane Sandy. These were extraordinary and defining moments as New
Yorkers, but we met each challenge with smarts, determination and guts.
The attached Alerts and News are collated and assembled for your use. If you have any questions, please
do not hesitate to lean on us for answers.
We will conquer this challenge, and emerge victorious. Together we shall see it through.
Sincerely,
Brian, Karen & Michael.
The attorneys at Egan & Golden, LLP are advising clients on all aspects of the legal issues and
implications of the COVID-19 pandemic including employment issues, business & finance,
available economic relief, and the most up-to-date information from New York State and Federal
Governments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused extreme distress and uncertainty to businesses and
individuals in the New York area, as well as the rest of the Country, and the attorneys from Egan
& Golden, LLP stand by ready to assist our clients. In order for our clients to stay abreast of the
most current information, we have created a Resource Center which we will continually update
for your reference.
Our attorneys are available to assist you in dealing with these unprecedented times.
NY Temporarily Allows Virtual Witnessing of Wills, Health Care Proxies and Powers of
Attorney
Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order 202.14 temporarily allowing virtual witnessing of
Wills, Health Care Proxies and the Gifting Rider to Powers of Attorney, until May 7, 2020. The
order also extends the time allowing virtual notarizations of documents such as Deeds, Trusts
and Powers of Attorney until May 7, 2020. View the full guidance
here:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20214-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency.
All documents must be signed before May 7, 2020 to be valid under the electronic notarization
procedures.
The use of audio and video technology for virtual witnessing is allowed under these conditions:
- The person requesting that his or her signature be witnessed, if not personally known to
the witness(es), must present valid photo ID to the witness(es) during the video
conference, not merely transmit it prior to or after;
- The video conference must allow for direct interaction between the person and the
witness(es), and the supervising attorney, if applicable (e.g. no pre-recorded videos of the
person signing);
- The witnesses must receive a legible copy of the signature page(s), which may be
transmitted via fax or electronic means, on the same date that the pages are signed by the
person;
- The witness(es) may sign the transmitted copy of the signature page(s) and transmit the
same back to the person; and
- The witness(es) may repeat the witnessing of the original signature page(s) as of the date
of execution provided the witness(es) receive such original signature pages together with
the electronically witnessed copies within thirty days after the date of execution.
(
https://nysba.org/coronavirus-daily-update-executive-order-addresses-concerns-about-remote-witnessing/