Remote Video Will Services - Extended Time out of Canada
Will - Updating Will - Invalid or No Will - Power of Attorney - Personal Directive
To schedule an appointment, contact our law firm at 403-400-4092 or Chris@NeufeldLegal.com
Albertans who are absent from Canada for an extended period of time (not only snowbirds who spend several months in warmer climates, but also those who travel to Europe, Asia and elsewhere for extended stays), are often faced with significant logistical challenges in managing critical legal documents, including Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Personal Directives. Historically, Alberta law demanded that these essential documents be signed with "wet-ink" in the physical presence of witnesses, including the drafting lawyer. This requirement meant that a life-altering event, a change in health, or a financial update while out-of-country would necessitated an expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive trip back to Canada, if it was even possible for the individual to make the return trip home.
Fortunately, with Alberta’s adoption of permanent legislation to allow for the remote execution of Wills, Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives via two-way video conferencing, Albertans are not restricted by their distance from home, should they need to complete or update these critical legal documents. As such, Albertans are no longer constrained by geographical barriers when it comes to dealing with these crucial legal documents. By permitting a lawyer to supervise the preparation and signing of a Will, Power of Attorney, or Personal Directive across digital space, the legislation has created a robust system that maintains the legal integrity of the documents while offering unparalleled flexibility. This shift transforms legal compliance from a static, location-dependent chore into a dynamic, accessible service.
The most profound benefit of this legislative change is the ability for out-of-country Albertans to promptly respond to changed circumstances without sacrificing their time abroad. When a major life event occurs, such as the purchase of new property, the birth of a grandchild, a change in marital status, or even a sudden diagnosis that alters medical wishes, a traveler can now instantly connect with their Alberta lawyer. Previously, an urgent need to update a Will or Personal Directive would trigger a crisis, requiring the individual to interrupt their extended out-of-country stay, book last-minute flights, and potentially forfeit travel insurance coverage. Now, all necessary steps, from receiving legal advice to the final remote witnessing of wet-ink signatures on counterpart documents, can be completed seamlessly from anywhere in the world with a stable Internet connection.
Furthermore, remote execution provides a crucial layer of security and safety in the event of unforeseen health or capacity issues. A Power of Attorney or Personal Directive is designed to take effect if a person becomes mentally incapacitated, but the documents must be current and valid to be effective. If an out-of-country Albertan suffers a sudden illness while away and realizes their existing Personal Directive is incomplete, or if their chosen attorney is no longer suitable, the ability to execute new documents remotely is indispensable. This swift legal update ensures that the individual's most current financial and healthcare wishes are formalized and legally recognized in Alberta, avoiding potential legal complications or familial disputes at a highly vulnerable time.
Our law firm has established the means to provide such remote legal services for the preparation and execution of your Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Personal Directive, undertaken in conformity with the strict directives imposed by the Alberta legislation and the Alberta Law Society. If you wish to take advantage of the convenience and flexibility of our remote video legal services for the preparation and execution of your Will and other estate planning documents, we welcome you to contact our law firm today at 403-400-4092 or via email at Chris@NeufeldLegal.com.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This website is designed for general informational purposes. The site is not designed to answer specific questions about your individual situation or entitlement. Do not rely upon the information provided on this website as legal advice in respect of your individual situation nor use it as substitute for individual legal advice. If you want specific legal advice, you need to engage a lawyer under established legal engagement procedures that have been specifically agreed to by that lawyer.
Contact Info - Mobile Services - Hospital Visits - Remote Video Services - Legal Notices - Privacy - Terms of Use - Main Will Webpage