COVID-19 has resulted in a large percentage of the population
working remotely, and physical distancing measures have made it
difficult for individuals to meet in person. This means that the
way we sign and witness documents have been disrupted. State
governments have introduced legislation to try and make witnessing
more practical during this unprecedented time. This article will
unpack how signatures can be witnessed during COVID-19.
When Does a Signature Need a Witness?
A witness
signature is the signature of someone who watches you sign
a legal document, such as a person that watches you sign a lease.
Whether or not a contract needs a witness depends on what type of
contract it is. While most contracts do not require a witness, you will need a
witness for evidentiary purposes in many circumstances. This helps
prove that the person signing the document is who they say they are
and actually signed it themselves. The following documents require
a witness:
