Drive-In Document Signing Signing Witnessed Documents With Minimal Risk During the pandemic, we became proud operators of a 'Drive In' for in-person signings of Wills and other documents requiring in-person witnesses. [Sorry, no root beer included.] Our masked clients would sign their Wills, Trusts, and other estate planning documents in the comfort of their own vehicles. This is still available anytime a client lets us know they would like to do their signing this way. Preview After we have sent or delivered a copy of the proposed documents to the client, the attorney reviews them in a video or telephone conference in detail. All changes and corrections noted during that appointment are made. Trip to the Drive-In We direct our clients into our attached garage and hand the original documents (with color-coded stickers), and sanitized clipboards and pens, through their windows. We all wear masks, and they do not exit their vehicles. We watch them sign as required by Illinois law, and then we sign ourselves as witnesses nearby in the garage while they watch and double check to assure that all are signed correctly. Final Document and Notebook Review After our clients have departed the signing, we prepare the documents and an organizing notebook for them. After they have received them, the attorney meets with them in a final appointment, usually by video meeting again or by phone. At that time, she goes through each item in the notebook, including copies of the documents and advises how to best maintain your planning. |